J-1 Sponsor Agreement

 

This document serves to memorialize a common understanding of resources and responsibilities associated with hosting a J-1 scholar, in addition to any invitation letter you will provide.


SDSU is held responsible by the Department of State for the safety and well-being of J-1 visitors. Our authorization to provide J-1 visas depends on our demonstrated ability to provide visitors a successful experience.


Here are the services SDSU campus offices can provide 


  • J-1 visa applications: Start with College Dean’s Office–Immigration Rep
  • J-1 visa processing, SEVIS update upon arrival, and authorization to travel internationally while in J-1 status: Faculty Advancement & Student Success
  • Required visitor health insurance: International Affairs
  • To requisition access to basic campus utilities (library, email): Use the volunteer requisition process. Staff in the academic unit sponsoring the visitor access and initiate the volunteer requisition form via Human Resources.


SDSU sponsors play an essential role in helping visitors plan for all other aspects of their visit and in quickly addressing any challenges that might arise during the course of the visit. Please complete this form to indicate your awareness of sponsor responsibilities.


*If using Foundation funds for this request, you must first contact your HR Business Partner (if known) AND Grant Specialist to initiate the hire request through iCIMS BEFORE starting this request. Once approved, you can proceed with completing this form.

 
 

A sponsor must be employed by SDSU or SDSURF and serve as the primary point of contact for all matters involving the J-1. School or department staff and college immigration reps may NOT serve as a sponsor.


First name last name (eg., John Doe)

 
 
 
 
 
 

J-1 Fees paid by scholar

Visa Application (MRV) $185

SEVIS I-901 Fee $220

Visa Integrity Fee $250 Effective Oct 1, 2025

Total $655

 
 

If yes, did you receive approval from SDSURF? Provide approved fund amount $$$ for the duration of the program. e.g. $40,000 1 year

 

If other, type in complete address.

 

Click here for codes. Please select one that best describes activity

 

Must be 3 months after todays date.

 
mm/dd/yyyy
 
 
mm/dd/yyyy
 
 

If Intern option is selected, please complete the DS-7002. Provide completed form to J-1 scholar for submission.

 
 

Sponsor Responsibilities

J1 sponsors play an essential role in helping visitors plan for all other aspects of their visit and in quickly addressing any challenges that might arise during the course of the visit. Please discuss the following matters with the J-1 visitor in advance of their arrival:


Housing support: Please ensure that international scholar colleagues understand the high cost and limited availability of housing in San Diego. SDSU faculty sponsors bear primary responsibility for helping visitors secure housing immediately upon arrival. SDSU does not have institutional resources for housing, hosting, or helping visitors navigate local rental markets. If you are sponsoring a J-1 exchange visitor who faces acute housing insecurity, please contact your Dean immediately for assistance.


Employment authorization: SDSU employment is not available to visitors who do not have authorization to work in the United States or whose residence is located outside the state of California.


Logistical support: SDSU sponsors bear primary responsibility for providing direct, engaged navigational support–including helping visitors secure a Red ID and an email, and finding their way to campus. Visitors who do not have authorization to work in the United States may access campus resources (Red ID and email) via the SDSU Human Resources volunteer process. Log into Sharepoint to access volunteer forms. Processing volunteer paperwork is subject to delays, especially during holidays and breaks.


Personal support: SDSU sponsors bear primary responsibility for supporting visiting faculty during any exigencies, including travel delays, lost immigration documents, severe illness, robbery, arrest, domestic disturbance, natural disasters, etc. Please contact University Police to report lost passports or any crime / incident involving a J-1 scholar; please also contact Faculty Advancement, as we are required to file incident reports with the Department of State. For non J-1 visitors who require police assistance on campus, please contact University Police; for matters impacting J-1 visitors off campus, please call 911.


Visa delays: Delays in securing or processing visas or making consulate appointments are common. Sponsors bear primary responsibility for supporting visitors through any delays or exigencies.


International security issues: Visitors from certain countries may be subject to close scrutiny under the terms of various international regulations and protocols. Please contact SDSU’s Export Control officer Zena Hovda if you have any questions.


If any challenges arise, please contact your Dean’s Office and Vanessa Campos in Faculty Advancement immediately so that we can extend support. SDSU’s authorization to offer J-1 visas depends on our ability to provide a safe, supported experience for our visitors.

 
 

Program Date Adjustments

If your visitor does not arrive with a 30 day grace period before or after their requested program start date, a new agreement and application will be required.

 
 

Five Date Filing Notice

A copy of this agreement will be placed in your Personnel Action File to serve as a common point of reference should any additional questions arise during the visitors’ time at SDSU. Mark below to indicate your awareness.

 
 

Please type your name in all caps below to authorize this agreement.

 
 

Next steps

Thank you. Please provide your J-1 visitor sponsee with a copy of the confirmation email from this agreement for inclusion with their application packet. Your Dean will also receive a copy for their awareness.