Need advice on a J1 visa!

I am looking for an internship in NYC for May, 2009. I have some leads and now I just need to get the ball rolling on a J1 visa.

1. Would you recommend going through a company (like swap.ca) or is it something that I could do on my own?

2. Is there a good company to use for insurance for the year?

3. I keep reading you don't need the actual visa-- can someone explain this to me? (and is this: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html the legit site?)

I appreciate any and all help!

1) Depends on what you're doing on your J-1, you can't do it on your own, someone has to sponsor you for it;
2) Insurance for what?
3) Canadian citizens do not require a visa for most non-immigrant categories, you just need the approved DS-2019 and you apply for J-1 status at the POE.

Sorry, let me clarify:

I'm looking to get J1 visa status, so I can get an internship for a year in the states (I graduated University 8 months ago, if that changes anything). I would be getting sponsorship from a company and I am looking for the best way to do this. Am I able to apply for this (with the sponsorship of a company) or do I have to use a program such as swap.ca ?

2. Medical insurance (as required to obtain the visa)

3. Do you mind clarifying the application process for DS-2019 or can send me in the right direction as to where to find it!

Thank you for your help-- I'm slightly lost in all of this!

From the Department of State website:

DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This form cannot be downloaded here. Contact your exchange visitor program sponsor, who is responsible for entering the DS 2019 information into SEVIS, and providing the SEVIS generated DS-2019. Important Note: The current DS-2019 form generated with an expiration date of April 30, 2008 remains valid at this time.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html

Your sponsor needs to complete the sponsorship form

What state are you going to? Medical insurance companies vary by state. Ask your sponsor if there is a company they would recommend. Or Blue Cross Blue Shield is pretty much country wide. http://www.bluecross.com/

Hi There,

I am currently on a J1 visa in New York for public relations. I had originally received a TN but that position didn't work out and got rejected the TN for this job but eventually received my J1. SWAP does it all for you and depending on timing, it can take anywhere from 1-2 months.

For medical insurance, you cannot be on a J1 without it from my understanding. With SWAP, this is included in the price...I know, it's crazy expensive but I paid the full amount for the full 18 months.

You go to the port of entry (POE) with all of your papers and you receive an I-94 card stapled into your passport along with a DS2019. This replaces your visa. I think because we're Canadian we don't really need one. Anyways, everytime you travel outside of the U.S. you have to have this with you and your passport also gets stamped with the J1 status with the date of entry.

Hope this helps.

J-1 for public relations, that's innovative.