J1 without a company

Dicksboro_man

Im sure this has been asked many times already but I couldn't find the suitable threads.

Basically, is it true that companies such as USIT and go4less charge 100-300 euro extra for flights if you book through them?

Is it possible to apply for your J1 to US embassy on your own without paying 3rd parties?

And lastly, Im looking at Boston here. €460 return atm on skyscanner, how much more than that do ye reckon i'll pay with USIT and likes?

Thanks guys!

LiamMc

J1 is an Student Exchange Visa.

Who are you exchanging with? You need a Sponsoring Agency as part of your application.

US Dept. of Homeland Security (j1 Visa application)
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=b69c83453d4a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=b69c83453d4a3210VgnVCM100000b92ca60aRCRD

A huge portion of US Students travel to China on work/student programs. This allows the US to provide places on Exchange programs in the US to other Nationalities. Private company's are then created to facilitate visa applicants to obtain the visa.