What is a DS-2019 and what do I do with it?
The DS-2019 is the “certificate of eligibility” for J-1 status. All Exchange Visitors must have this document in order to receive the J-1 visa. J-1 Students receive the DS-2019 from the Office of International Admissions with their admission letter or shortly thereafter. All other J-1 categories (Research Scholar, Non-Degree Student, etc.) are issued a DS-2019 by the Office of International Services through the sponsoring department. Once you have received your DS-2019 you will need to go to an U.S. embassy or consulate to apply for the J-1 visa. Whether you are a student or scholar please refer to the OIS website Student Visas section and the Department of State website Visa section for more information on applying for the J-1 visa. The website http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov is also a good source for visa information.
Request DS-2019
The following are just a few things to keep in mind when requesting a new DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Status:
-Processing time in OIS is 10 business days
-All new and transfer DS-2019’s require an internal requisition from the department to OIS for $250. There is a $100 charge forDS-2019 extensions.
-Please complete all fields accurately and legibly. If an additional DS-2019 for the visitor or any accompanying dependents requires OIS to prepare replacement forms due to an error in the information provided to OIS the $100 correction fee will apply. An additional $100 internal requisition is required and must accompany any reissue request. There is no charge if an updated DS-2019 must be issued to support a 2nd visa application if the 1st request is denied by the U.S. Embassy.
-Please make sure that all 3 departmental signatures are secured. If one person fills the role of two titles it is better to have that person sign in both places to avoid any confusion. Also, if there is no Academic Dean please indicate so on the request form.
-The minimum levels of support are $18,000/year ($1,500/month) for Exchange Visitors, $7,000/year for spouses, and $3,500/year per child. This is a combined total from all funding sources. It is the responsibility of the department to verify funding.
-New federal regulations stipulate that we “validate” an Exchange Visitor’s program participation within 30 days of the start date of their program (as listed on the DS-2019) regardless of the date of entry. Therefore, it is imperative you send your Exchange Visitors to check-in with OIS once they arrive. We require they visit our office within 72 hours of arriving at USC. Also, if your Exchange Visitor’s entry to the U.S. will be considerably (more than 21 days) delayed beyond the program start date please notify our office so that we may take the appropriate action.
Failure to follow the validation guidelines will result in the Exchange Visitor’s name appearing on a government alert list meaning his or her status could potentially be terminated by the government.
Request DS-2019
Sample DS-2019 forms
If you have any questions of filling out the DS-2019 forms (request, J1, J2,) please refer to the following samples.
Sample request form for J-1 visa status (SEVIS Form DS-2019)
Sample DS-2019 for J-1 Exchange Visitor
Sample DS-2019 for J-2 dependent of Exchange Visitor
Extend DS-2019
It is not uncommon for an Exchange Visitor to need an Extension of Stay. It can be difficult to provide proof of funding for more than one year at a time. Many times research takes longer than planned. Departments do not always feel comfortable inviting an Exchange Visitor for the full period allowed. These and many more are all legitimate reasons for why an extension of stay might be needed. There is a $100 fee per person. Please make sure to:
-secure departmental approval once again (all three signatures)
-include any update in funding
-include the Exchange Visitor’s current (residence) address in the Los Angeles area.
-Attach the $100 internet requisition payable to OIS.
Request Extension of Stay DS-2019
