a) WHO IS THE VISA FOR? This category is for organizations that wish to sponsor individuals to come to the U.S. through an exchange-visitor program for training in a specified category as allowed by the BCIS. b) WHO MAKES THE APPLICATION/PETITION? The organization submits an application to the U.S. Information Agency for a Certificate of Eligibility. The individual presents such certificate to the consulate for the visa. c) WHERE/HOW DO THEY APPLY? The organization submits an application to the U.S. Information Agency d) HOW LONG DOES PROCESSING TAKE? It can take months to prepare an application for a Certificate of Eligibility, and several more months for the USIA to approve it. e) HOW LONG IS VALIDITY? Duration of stay differs for each subcategory of the J-1, but most are limited to 18months. Participation in an approved program limited by the sponsor’s agreement with the U.S. Subject to Foreign Residency Requirement of 2 years (alien must return to home country to work for 2 years in occupation in which s/he trained), if the alien is funded by government money, either from the U.S. or home country, or if the home country has a skills list. Repayment of funds will not relieve alien of obligation. Duration is 18 months.