Direct Sponsoring Status: Active for 2025/26

J-1 Visa without an Agency:
Your Direct Path to the DS-2019

Article Overview

Have you already found your internship in the USA? Congratulations—you’ve done the hardest part. Now, it’s all about the visa. Many applicants end up with expensive “full-service” agencies. But here is the truth: These agencies cannot even issue the document you need most (the DS-2019). In the end, they just contact us to do it for them.

The Unnecessary Middleman

A classic placement agency often charges you $1,200 or more just to take your documents and forward them to the actual Sponsor. They act as a bottleneck that not only makes the process more expensive but often slower as well.

Fact: Only a designated sponsor is authorized to issue the DS-2019. By going straight to the sponsoring infrastructure, you skip the agency markup.

Direct Sponsorship Check

Use our direct infrastructure. We verify for free if your profile and host company meet the requirements for sponsorship through CIEE (one of the world’s largest designated sponsors).

No agency fees. By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

Sponsor vs. Agency: Know the Difference

It is crucial to understand the legal roles so you don’t pay twice for the same result:

  • The Placement Agency: They find you a job (which you don’t need if you already have one) and forward your emails to the sponsor. Cost: High.
  • The Sponsor (VisaNerd/CIEE): They verify your legal eligibility under US law, issue the DS-2019, and provide your insurance. Cost: Transparent & Direct.

When you work with us, you are already at the source. You save the “mailbox fee” of the middleman and have direct access to the CIEE system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to apply without an agency? +
Absolutely. US law requires a Designated Sponsor to issue your DS-2019. A Placement Agency is just a service provider you can choose to use if you need help finding a job. If you have the job, you can go direct.
How much money will I save? +
On average, our applicants save between $800 and $1,400 compared to full-service placement agencies by only paying for the required legal sponsorship and insurance.
Is the direct path safe? +
It is actually the safest path. You are working directly with the official representative of the sponsor. There is no risk of miscommunication through a third-party agent.

Want to compare exact costs?
View our Pricing Table →

VisaNerd Logo Direct to the Sponsor. No Middlemen.
Official CIEE Representative & Sponsoring Infrastructure.