[redduck666]

you are in for a world of hurt with USCIS, startup can't be your sponsor (too small).

your best bet is http://www.cicdgo.com/ they will verify the company and be the official sponsor on your J-1 visa. The J-1 is issued to you in your country.

IIRC we paid 500-600$ for their services

[neilk]

Seriously, a J-1? I'm assuming you went with the "internship" J-1, which lasts only 6, maybe 12 months. And it's only plausible if you are currently a student.

Might be worth it for someone hoping to get funded or bust in under a year, but otherwise that seems problematic. Also, correct me if I'm wrong here, but once it's over, you can't turn around and get another J-1; you invariably have to spend some time out of country?