AFS-USA will undergo a US Department of State Management Review, commonly referred to as an audit, for the 2025-26 cycle. AFS demonstrates compliance with the J-1 secondary school exchange program regulations through our performance on this audit.

The Department of State Management Review holds significant importance for AFS–USA as its outcome directly impacts our designation as a J-1 visa sponsor.  In July of 2026, after the conclusion of the 2025-26 program cycle, a sample of participant files will be selected by our auditor.  The audit looks back at a full program year and reviews numerous areas within the organization. For each student selected we will need to provide, each host family application, interview, background checks, etc., each liaison assignment (background check, trainings, distance between student and liaison), and each student and host family monthly contact for the program cycle, amongst many other test points.

The RMCQA team as always is committed to overseeing all compliance matters from placement changes, liaison linking and contacts and visits; working closely with volunteers across Area Teams and collaborating with staff cross-departmentally. Working alongside each other not only simplifies the compliance process but also highlights our commitment to a comprehensive support system for our participants, host families and volunteers.

Thank you, volunteers and staff, your steadfast support of our students and host families is critical to the success of the program, and to our ability to maintain designation as a J-1 Visa sponsor.

If you would like to learn more about the audit, you can click here: The Department of State Management Review (“Compliance Audit”) – Help & Learning for Volunteers.