J-1 Visa for Canadian student

I might get the chance to go on J-1 visa as intern for 12 months in the state.

I'll be arranging the J-1 visa my self with the employer having involved at least possible (employer wants at least headache as possible with the visa). Is there a website/attorney experience enough expert enough dealing with J-1 visa for Canadians.

What's the shortest time in best case scenario getting J-1 from beginning to end (first day of work) ?

don't think you'd need to waste your money on a lawyer, you can probably do the paperwork yourself.

To get J-1 the sponsor must be State Dept. registered as a J-1 sponsor able to issue a DS-2019, that's really the only bit of paperwork you need to get J-1. And proof you've paid the fee. Internships are often done through the SWAP programme.

This is the State Dept. blurb on it: http://exchanges.state.gov/jexchanges/p ... ntern.html

The other usual method of doing internships is with H-3.