AFS-USA is designated by the U.S. Department of State to operate an Exchange Visitor Program for Secondary School Students in the United States. This designation allows AFS-USA to supply incoming participants with the appropriate documentation needed in order to obtain their visas to come to the U.S. AFS-USA participants enter the U.S. with a J-1 visa. This is the only visa that permits international students to attend U.S. high schools tuition free. Being a designated sponsor requires AFS-USA to adhere strictly to the federal regulations governing the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program for secondary school students.
Some schools and/or school districts may ask for proof to show that AFS-USA is designated as an exchange visitor program sponsor by the U.S. Department of State. You can download this letter here as needed.