What is a DS-2019 form?
The Form DS-2019 is the basic document required to support an application for an exchange visitor visa (J-1). It is a 2-page document. Foreign nationals are required to sign page one of the form agreeing to the instructions and certification language relating to participation in the exchange program found on page two. No blank SEVIS forms exist.
How do I apply for a J-1 visa with a DS-2019?
Your RO or ARO will explain to you what documents are needed in order to be issued a DS-2019. After you have obtained a Form DS-2019, you may then apply for a J-1 visa through the U.S. Department of State at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
What is a J-1 DS 2019?
The DS-2019 is officially titled the "Certificate of Eligibility" because with it, you are "eligible" to apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Your spouse or children will also each need their own DS-2019 to obtain J-2 dependent status, if desired.
Who should I contact if I Have Questions about my form DS-2019?
Who should I contact if I have a question or concern about my Form DS-2019? The designated sponsor, whose name and telephone number can be found on the Form DS-2019, should be contacted for questions and concerns about your Form DS-2019.
What does DS mean in visa?
Certain forms relating to visas, passports and travel are available only from government agencies other than USCIS.
How long does it take to get a DS-2019?
The DS-2019 can take between 2 and 3 weeks to be processed by the OIS. Making an appointment with the U.S. Consulate or Embassy can have you waiting 2 weeks to over a month depending on how busy the establishment is. If the interview goes favorably, then it will take about 1 week for them to add it to your passport.
Where can I find my DS-2019?
Access the Exchange Visitor Information page or the Dependent Information page. Click Reprint DS-2019 on the Actions menu (left side of page). The Reprint DS-2019 page opens....Enter optional comments in the Remarks text box, if available.Click Reprint DS-2019. ... Click Print Final DS-2019.
Do I need a DS-2019?
The DS-2019 is required for re-entering the United States and applying for a new visa (if you need one). Before your departure from the United States, make sure that you have an unexpired "travel validation" from an adviser at Berkeley International Office on the DS-2019 (bottom right corner).
How long is DS-2019 valid for?
one yearA travel signature on your DS-2019 is valid for one year from the date of signature, or until the ending date on the DS-2019, whichever is sooner. This signature may only be provided by a Responsible or Alternate Responsible Officer of your J-1 program sponsor.
How much is a DS-2019?
If you need an extension to your visa and it is approved by your sponsor, you will need to apply through a new DS-2019 and pay a fee of $367.
Who issues the DS-2019?
Who issues the DS-2019 form? Only a few officially designated visa sponsors can issue the DS2019 Form Certificate of Eligibility. Sponsors help ensure that your prospective host company's training program matches your education and experience.
How do I create a DS-2019?
Create Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (Form DS-2019) OverviewStep 1: Exchange Visitor Biographical Information.Step 2: Exchange Visitor Contact and Program Information.Step 3: Exchange Visitor Site of Activity Menu.Step 4: Exchange Visitor Spouse/Dependents Menu.More items...
Can I print DS-2019?
The SEVIS ID for the exchange visitor and/or spouse/dependent(s) will not print on the draft Form. The draft Form DS-2019 can be printed prior to submission of the Form so that the data can be reviewed for accuracy. Changes to the Form can be made prior to submission.
Do I need I-20 or DS-2019?
The F or M nonimmigrant must keep all copies of the Form I-20 received during a program of study. An F or M student does not need a Form DS-2019, “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.” The Form DS-2019 allows a J exchange visitor to apply for a visa.
Is DS-2019 same as I-20?
The certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant status in the US (Form I-20 for F-1 students or DS-2019 for J-1 students) is an important 3-page document issued by the DSO at your school in SEVIS after you are admitted to the school.
How long after the starting date on my DS-2019 can I enter the US?
30 daysYou can enter the U.S. up to 30 days after the start date listed in Section 3 of your DS-2019 (click here if you cannot enter the U.S. within 30 days after the DS-2019 start date). You can participate at your U.S. hospital on or after the start date on the DS-2019.
How long after the starting date on my DS-2019 can I enter the US?
30 daysYou can enter the U.S. up to 30 days after the start date listed in Section 3 of your DS-2019 (click here if you cannot enter the U.S. within 30 days after the DS-2019 start date). You can participate at your U.S. hospital on or after the start date on the DS-2019.
How long does it take for J-1 visa to be approved?
The J-1 visa processing time for your Form DS-2019 is up to four weeks. The company needs that time to review your application, process your forms, and ship the DS-2019 directly to your home address. That means that the first step of the J-1 visa application process might take around a month.
Can J-1 visa be rejected?
If you have visited the United States before and there were criminal charges levied against you during your visit, or you overstayed your visa for more than 180 days, your J-1 visa application will most likely be denied.
What is an i 20 or DS-2019?
What is an I-20 or DS-2019? The I-20 is the document F-1 students need from The New School in order to apply for the F-1 student visa; the DS-2019 is the document J-1 students need in order to apply for the J-1 student visa.
What is a DS 2019?
The DS-2019 is a multi-purpose document issued by a U.S. government-approved institution (or organization) certifying that your admission into a program has been accepted and that you have demonstrated sufficient financial resources to stay in the U.S. for the length of the DS-2019 form. The DS-2019 is officially titled the "Certificate of Eligibility" because with it, you are "eligible" to apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Your spouse or children will also each need their own DS-2019 to obtain J-2 dependent status, if desired.
What is the name of the database that processes the information and produces a PDF file of the DS-2019?
government database called SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). The SEVIS database processes the information and produces a "PDF" file of the DS-2019 that is sent back to the school via the internet.
How long is a travel validation valid for?
This signature is valid for one year for multiple visits outside the United States or until the DS-2019 expires, whichever is first.
Does Berkeley International Office keep DS-2019?
Berkeley International Office does not maintain signed copies of the DS-2019.
What is DS-2019?
The Form DS-2019 or "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is the basic document used in the administration of the exchange visitor program.
Who should I contact if I have a question or concern about my Form DS-2019?
The designated sponsor, whose name and telephone number can be found on the Form DS-2019, should be contacted for questions and concerns about your Form DS-2019. Your designated sponsor is responsible for assisting and advising you on all matters regarding your exchange visitor program.
What is DS-2019?
Issued by UW, this document allows you to apply for a J-1 visa if you are outside the U.S, apply for J-1 status within the U.S., enter and reenter the U.S. in J-1 status, and prove your eligibility for various J-1 benefits. The DS-2019 indicates the institution in which you are permitted to study, your program of study, and the dates of eligibility.
Where to bring DS-2019?
Bring your DS-2019 to the ISS front desk
What does SEVIS stand for?
Note your SEVIS number in the top right corner–the 10-digit number beginning with the letter “N.” SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System , which is an online database that keeps individual records for every student in J-1 status. The DS-2019 is a printout from your electronic record. Never throw away a DS-2019.
Where is the travel validation block on DS-2019?
Note the travel validation block in the lower right of your DS-2019. There are two spaces for travel signatures.
Is DS-2019 valid?
The DS-2019 must remain valid at all times. Request a DS-2019 extension prior to its expiration date. Allowing the DS-2019 to expire before you complete your academic program is a violation of J-1 status.
Do you have to finish your DS-2019 before graduation?
You must finish your studies before this date OR request an extension through the ISS office before the expiration date. Do not let your DS-2019 expire before you graduate. You must also update other information on your DS-2019 that may change, such as your major, your program level, or funding information.
What is the F-1 visa?
To enter the U.S. in F-1 status, DISSA must provide the student with an I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) that is used to obtain the F-1 visa. DISSA is required to determine if students have enough financial resources to attend school and pay for their living expenses while attending school without resorting to illegal employment or relying on public funds.
How long do you have to stay in the US to get a H visa?
The two-year home residency requirement means that those individuals must return home for two years before applying for the H, L, or permanent residency visas. In addition, those subject to the two-year home residency requirement cannot change status to another within the U.S.
Is DS-2019 valid?
Keep their DS-2019 and passport valid at all times.
Do I need to keep my I-20 passport?
Keep their I-20 and passport valid at all times .
Is an F-1 visa a non-immigrant visa?
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa; therefore, students must prove to the U.S. consulate that they have ties to their home country and will not remain in the United States upon completion of their program. In addition, the program must be a full-time program. In general, F-1 students must do the following:
Exchange Visitors
The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training.
Application Process
The U.S. Department of State plays the primary role in administering the J-1 exchange visitor program, so the first step in obtaining a J-1 visa is to submit a Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, (formerly known as an IAP-66). Your sponsoring agency will provide you this form.
Employment
Some J-1 nonimmigrants enter the United States specifically to work while others do not. Employment is authorized for J-1 nonimmigrants only under the terms of the exchange program. Please check with your sponsoring agency for more information on any restrictions that may apply to you working in the United States.
Family of J-1 Visa Holders
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age, regardless of nationality, are entitled to J-2 classification. Your spouse and children are entitled to employment authorization; however, their income may not be used to support you.
What is DS 160?
The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé (e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.
What browsers are supported for DS 160?
Use only Internet Explorer 11 or higher, Firefox, or Google Chrome 58 when completing your application. Safari and Microsoft Edge are not supported. The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé (e)) visas.
How Do I Sign the DS-160 Form?
The DS-160 form must be electronically signed by clicking the “Sign Application” button at the end of the form. Failure to sign the DS-160 form may result in the termination of your application.
What is DS 160?
The DS-160 is an online nonimmigrant visa application form that is required for temporary travel to the United States. It is also a requirement for American K fiancé (e) visas. Before enrolling in EVUS (Electronic Visa Update System, eligible citizens must have a valid nonimmigrant visa, such as a US tourist visa.
Can I Complete the DS-160 Form on My Children’s Behalf?
Minor applicants under the age of 16 or those physically incapable of completing an application can have their parent or guardian complete and click the “Sign Application” button on their behalf.
What Documents Do I Need to Fill out the DS-160 Form?
Make sure to have the following documents at hand while you complete your DS-160:
Can I Answer Form DS-160 in My Native Language?
If English is not your first language, you may be wondering whether you may answer the questions on your DS-160 form in a language you are fluent in.
Do I Have to Answer All the Questions on the Ds-160 Form?
Most questions on the DS-160 are mandatory and have to be answered in the spaces provided.
Can I Save My DS-160 Form To Finish Submitting It Later?
Yes, you can save your DS-160 and return to a partially completed DS-160 by saving the unique application identification (ID) number you will be issued when you begin your form, after selecting and answering a security question.
DS-2019 Overview
Maintaining Your DS-2019
- The DS-2019 must remain valid at all times. Request a DS-2019 extension prior to its expiration date. Allowing the DS-2019 to expire before you complete your academic program is a violation of J-1 status. The program completion date is an estimate. You must finish your studies before this date OR request an extension through the ISS office before the expiration date. Do not let your D…
Period of Authorized Stay
- You must enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start date listed on your DS-2019, and not after the start date. Your admission to the U.S. is for “duration of status,” that is, for the length of your J-1 status. J-1 status covers: 1. Time between initial entry and the start of studies (you can enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start date on your DS-2019) 2. Study period whe…
Two-Year Home Country Requirement
- Exchange Visitors subject to the 212(e) two-year home country physical presence requirementmust return to their home countries and be physically present there for an aggregate of two years before being eligible to return to the U.S. in H, L, or immigrant (permanent resident/green card) status. When you apply for your J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy, th…