The DS-2019 form is at the heart of the United States J visa programme. Officially known as the “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status,” this document is issued by an approved sponsor and allows a foreign national to apply for a J visa at a US consulate. Without the DS-2019, it is not possible to secure lawful entry to the US under the J visa route.
What this article is about: This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the DS-2019 form and its role in securing J visa sponsorship. It covers the form’s legal definition and purpose, the responsibilities of sponsors and applicants, the application process, and compliance requirements. It also answers common questions about dependants, changes of sponsor, and maintaining lawful status once in the United States. Employers, universities, research institutions, and individual applicants will find practical insights on how the DS-2019 operates within the wider US immigration framework.
The J visa system is designed to facilitate cultural and educational exchange, with strict rules to ensure both programme integrity and national security. Because the DS-2019 represents formal sponsorship by a US-based organisation, it is subject to extensive regulatory oversight. Understanding the form and its requirements is critical not only for applicants but also for sponsors, who carry significant legal responsibilities.
Section A: What is the DS-2019 Form?
The DS-2019 is the foundational document of the J visa exchange visitor system. It is not just a form but a certificate of eligibility that demonstrates an individual has been accepted into an approved exchange programme and that a sponsor has undertaken responsibility for them. Its issuance is regulated by the US Department of State and carries statutory significance under immigration law.
1. Legal Definition and Purpose
Form DS-2019, formally known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, is authorised under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (the Fulbright-Hays Act). Its purpose is to document that a foreign national has been approved to participate in a structured cultural or educational exchange in the United States. The form records key information such as programme category, start and end dates, estimated financial support, and sponsor details.
Legally, the DS-2019 acts as evidence of eligibility to apply for a J visa at a US embassy or consulate abroad. Without this document, a consular officer cannot issue a J visa. It is also used once inside the US to prove lawful J-1 status and to demonstrate compliance with programme conditions.
2. Role in the J Visa Application
The DS-2019 is central to the visa process. After a sponsor issues the form, the applicant uses the DS-2019 to:
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which is required before scheduling a consular interview (note: some categories such as au pairs, camp counsellors, and government-sponsored visitors are exempt from this fee)
- Complete the online DS-160 visa application form
- Attend a visa interview at a US consulate or embassy, presenting the DS-2019 as part of the required documentation
At the port of entry, the DS-2019 is again examined by US Customs and Border Protection to confirm the traveller’s programme eligibility and sponsor details. Even after entry, the form remains significant, as it will be needed to apply for extensions, transfers, or dependants’ documentation.
3. Issuing Authorities
Not every organisation can issue DS-2019 forms. Only entities that have been designated by the US Department of State as “exchange visitor programme sponsors” are authorised. These may include:
- Accredited universities and colleges
- Research institutions and think tanks
- Government agencies
- Cultural exchange organisations
- Certain approved private sector employers
These sponsors use the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to generate the DS-2019. Each sponsor is given strict compliance responsibilities, including record-keeping, monitoring of participants, and reporting to the Department of State.
Section A Summary
The DS-2019 is the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status and forms the legal foundation of any J visa application. It is issued only by Department of State–approved sponsors and is required at multiple stages: visa application, entry to the US, and maintenance of lawful status. Its role is both evidentiary and regulatory, making it a critical component of the exchange visitor system.
Section B: Eligibility and Sponsorship Requirements
The DS-2019 form can only be issued when both the sponsor and the applicant meet the statutory and regulatory requirements. The form therefore acts as evidence that all eligibility checks have been carried out and that the sponsoring organisation is formally accepting responsibility for compliance with the J visa framework.
1. Sponsor Obligations
Sponsors are subject to strict oversight from the US Department of State. Before they can issue a DS-2019, they must demonstrate compliance with regulations under 22 CFR Part 62. Obligations include:
- Screening applicants to ensure they meet the criteria for the relevant exchange category
- Providing programme details including objectives, funding, and supervision arrangements
- Maintaining SEVIS records for each participant and reporting changes such as early withdrawal or termination
- Ensuring adequate financial resources are available to support the exchange visitor during their stay
- Monitoring welfare by providing orientation, support services, and access to emergency assistance
Failure to meet these obligations can result in suspension or revocation of sponsorship authority, making compliance critical for any designated sponsor.
2. Applicant Eligibility Criteria
To be issued a DS-2019, applicants must demonstrate they meet eligibility standards for the J visa programme, including:
- Acceptance into an approved programme sponsored by a Department of State–designated organisation
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses, health insurance, and related costs while in the US
- Evidence of intent to return home after completing the programme, as the J visa is a non-immigrant route
- Health insurance coverage that meets the minimum requirements under 22 CFR 62.14:
- Minimum medical benefits: $100,000 per accident or illness
- $25,000 for repatriation of remains
- $50,000 for medical evacuation to the home country
- Maximum deductible: $500 per accident or illness
- Academic or professional suitability for the programme in question, which may involve meeting English language requirements or showing relevant qualifications
Sponsors will not issue the DS-2019 until these conditions are satisfied, and consular officers will test them again during the visa interview.
3. Programme Categories Covered
The J visa route is not a single programme but an umbrella category covering numerous exchange activities. Each DS-2019 form must state the applicant’s programme category, which can include:
- College and university students
- Short-term scholars and professors
- Research scholars
- Trainees and interns
- Teachers
- Specialist visitors
- Physicians in graduate medical education
- Au pairs and camp counsellors
- Government or international organisation visitors
The DS-2019 must correctly record the category, as this dictates the applicant’s permitted activities in the US, the maximum duration of stay, and their eligibility for extensions or transfers.
Section B Summary
Eligibility for a DS-2019 is a two-way process. Sponsors must comply with Department of State regulations and accept full responsibility for the visitor, while applicants must demonstrate sufficient funding, insurance that meets 22 CFR 62.14 minimums, and suitability for their programme. The category chosen on the DS-2019 form defines the legal scope of the visitor’s stay.
Section C: Application Process for DS-2019
The DS-2019 is not a form that applicants can complete or download themselves. Instead, it is generated and issued directly by the sponsoring organisation through SEVIS. The process is collaborative, requiring input from both sponsor and applicant to ensure all legal requirements are satisfied before the form is released.
1. How Sponsors Issue the Form
Once an applicant has been accepted into a programme, the sponsor collects the required data and enters it into SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). SEVIS generates the DS-2019 with a unique SEVIS identification number. Sponsors may transmit the DS-2019 to the applicant electronically or provide a paper copy; a physical “wet-ink” original is no longer required. Issuance (including electronic transmission) is a legally significant act and places continuing monitoring responsibilities on the sponsor.
By issuing the DS-2019, the sponsor confirms that:
- The applicant has been accepted into a specific exchange visitor category
- Adequate funding and support arrangements have been verified
- Health insurance requirements (22 CFR 62.14) are understood and will be met
- Programme details, including start and end dates, have been recorded in SEVIS
2. Information Required from Applicants
To issue a DS-2019, sponsors require applicants to provide evidence of:
- Personal information including full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport details
- Proof of financial support through bank statements, scholarships, employer letters, or other funding confirmation
- Educational or professional credentials such as transcripts, degrees, or CVs, depending on programme type
- Health insurance coverage meeting Department of State minimum standards (22 CFR 62.14)
- English language proficiency where required by the category
Applicants must provide accurate and truthful information. Misrepresentation can result in withdrawal of the DS-2019 and potential refusal of the J visa application.
3. Common Processing Timelines
Timeframes vary by sponsor and programme complexity, but typical stages are:
- Initial preparation: 2–6 weeks from acceptance into the programme until DS-2019 issuance
- Delivery to applicant: immediate if electronic; longer if a paper copy is couriered internationally
- Visa interview scheduling: applicants usually must have the DS-2019 (with SEVIS ID) before booking an appointment
Applicants should avoid making travel plans until they have received the DS-2019 and the J visa has been granted. Delays can occur if documentation is incomplete or the sponsor requires additional verification.
Section C Summary
The DS-2019 is issued by the sponsor through SEVIS after verifying eligibility, funding, and insurance. Sponsors may now transmit DS-2019s electronically, which is acceptable for visa processing. Applicants must supply accurate documentation, and while timelines vary, the DS-2019 is required before the visa interview can be scheduled.
Section D: Compliance and Legal Considerations
The DS-2019 does not end its importance once issued; it carries ongoing legal significance throughout the exchange visitor’s stay in the United States. Both sponsors and applicants must comply with federal regulations, with the Department of State monitoring programmes to ensure accountability and integrity.
1. SEVIS and Record-Keeping Duties
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is the central database that records all J visa activity. Sponsors are legally required to keep SEVIS records up to date, including:
- Programme start and end dates
- Any extensions or transfers
- Changes in address, funding, or category
- Early completion, withdrawal, or termination of status
Failure to maintain accurate SEVIS records can jeopardise both the sponsor’s authorisation and the participant’s lawful status. Applicants must cooperate by reporting changes promptly to their sponsor.
2. Visa Interview and Consular Review
Holding a DS-2019 does not guarantee a visa. At the US embassy or consulate, applicants must attend an interview where a consular officer will review the form alongside the DS-160 visa application, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, and supporting documentation. The officer has discretion to grant or refuse the visa, and applicants may be questioned on:
- Programme details and objectives
- Funding sources and sufficiency
- Ties to their home country to assess non-immigrant intent
- Health insurance arrangements
A visa refusal may occur if the officer doubts the applicant’s eligibility, even if a DS-2019 has been properly issued.
3. Maintaining J Status with a DS-2019
Once in the US, the DS-2019 remains central to maintaining lawful status. Key requirements include:
- Adhering to programme dates: participants must start and finish within the period specified on the DS-2019
- Engaging only in authorised activities: activities outside the approved category can result in termination
- Maintaining health insurance: as required by Department of State regulations
- Reporting address and status changes: through the sponsor for SEVIS updates
- Renewals and transfers: if a programme extension or transfer to a new sponsor is needed, a new DS-2019 must be issued
The DS-2019 also determines whether a J-1 exchange visitor is subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e). If the principal J-1 is subject to this condition, all J-2 dependants are subject as well.
Dependants (J-2 visa holders) require their own DS-2019 forms, which remain linked to the primary applicant’s status. J-2 dependants may also apply for employment authorisation (EAD) and may pursue study in the US provided their DS-2019 is valid.
Section D Summary
Compliance obligations surrounding the DS-2019 are stringent. Sponsors must maintain accurate SEVIS records, while applicants must follow programme rules, attend visa interviews, and maintain lawful status in the US. The DS-2019 also plays a role in determining the two-year home residency requirement. J-2 dependants must hold their own DS-2019 and may work or study if authorised, provided their status remains valid.
FAQs
What is the DS-2019 form used for?
The DS-2019 is the official Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. It allows applicants to apply for a J visa, attend a consular interview, and maintain lawful J status in the United States. It also underpins programme changes such as extensions, transfers, and dependant documentation.
Who can issue a DS-2019?
Only organisations designated by the US Department of State as exchange visitor sponsors may issue DS-2019 forms, including universities, research institutions, government agencies, cultural exchange bodies, and certain approved private sector employers.
How long does it take to receive a DS-2019?
Typical timelines are 2–6 weeks from programme acceptance to issuance, plus delivery time. Electronic transmission is now permitted, which can expedite receipt; physical courier of paper copies may take longer.
Do I always have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee?
Most J-1 applicants must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before the consular interview. However, some categories (for example, au pairs, camp counsellors, and certain government-sponsored visitors) are exempt. Always verify with your sponsor and the Department of State guidance for your category.
Can I change my J visa sponsor after a DS-2019 is issued?
Transfers are possible but regulated. A new sponsor must accept you and issue a new DS-2019 via SEVIS, and the transfer must be approved in accordance with programme rules and timelines.
Do dependants need a separate DS-2019?
Yes. Each J-2 dependant (spouse or qualifying child) must have an individual DS-2019 that is linked to the principal J-1’s SEVIS record.
Can J-2 dependants work or study in the United States?
J-2 dependants may apply for employment authorisation (EAD) and may study while in the US, provided their DS-2019 is valid and they maintain lawful status.
Does the DS-2019 affect the two-year home residency rule (INA 212(e))?
Yes. The DS-2019 is used to assess whether the J-1 is subject to INA 212(e). If the principal is subject, J-2 dependants are subject as well, unless a waiver is granted.
Is a paper original still required for the DS-2019?
No. Sponsors may transmit DS-2019 forms electronically; a physical “wet-ink” original is no longer required for visa processing.
Conclusion
The DS-2019 is the foundation of the J visa system. It acts as proof of eligibility, sponsorship, and programme approval, and is required at every stage of the process: from visa application to entry into the US, and throughout the participant’s stay. Sponsors carry heavy compliance duties under Department of State rules, while applicants must ensure they meet eligibility, funding, and insurance requirements.
A valid and properly maintained DS-2019 is therefore essential to securing and preserving lawful J status. It also determines whether a participant may be subject to the two-year home residency rule, and it underpins dependant eligibility for work and study. Both applicants and sponsors must understand the DS-2019 not just as an administrative form but as a continuing legal instrument central to the integrity of the exchange visitor programme.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| DS-2019 | Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status form, issued by a sponsor for J visa applications |
| SEVIS | Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, the database tracking exchange visitors in the US |
| J Visa | Non-immigrant visa for foreign nationals in approved exchange visitor programmes |
| Sponsor | A Department of State–designated organisation authorised to issue DS-2019 forms and monitor compliance |
| INA 212(e) | The two-year home residency requirement that may apply to certain J-1 exchange visitors and their J-2 dependants |
| EAD | Employment Authorisation Document, which J-2 dependants may apply for to work in the US |
Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| US Department of State – J Visa Exchange Visitor Program | Visit page |
| SEVIS Information (ICE) | Visit page |
| Exchange Visitor Visa Guidance (Travel.State.Gov) | Visit page |
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.