Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, is an official form used by the United States government to keep a record of a J-1 scholar or researcher.
A program sponsor designated by the U.S. Department of State issues Form DS-2019 which contains important program details for the scholar, including the visit's purpose and duration, funding information, and sponsor details.
Form DS-2019 is required to obtain a J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas and to enter and maintain legal status in the U.S. as a J-1 exchange visitor.
The consular officer who issues your visa should complete the Preliminary Endorsement section of the form. For Canadian citizens, this should be done at the Port of Entry into the United States.
You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the start date on the form and you must depart the U.S. or apply for another immigration status within 30 days after the end date.
Note that you are only permitted to engage in activities authorized under the program and category specified on Form DS-2019.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is administered by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track J-1 Exchange Visitors.
As a new J-1 Exchange Visitor, you are required to pay a SEVIS fee of USD $220 before you can obtain your J-1 visa or before you enter the U.S. if you are visa exempt.
Pay the fee at https://fmjfee.com, the SEVIS I-901 fee processing website, before your visa interview appointment or before you enter the U.S. You will need
Print the I-901 receipt to take to your visa interview and/or to present when you enter the U.S.
As a new J-1 Exchange Visitor you must apply for a J-1 entry visa unless you are visa exempt (Canadian and Bermudian citizens). J-2 dependents must apply for J-2 entry visas (see below)
Find the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, Diplomatic Mission or office providing consular services where you will apply. On the website you will find instructions for making an appointment, paying the visa fee(s), and the documents you will need.
A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa only allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.
Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, is an official form used by the United States government to keep a record of a J-1 scholar or researcher.
A program sponsor designated by the U.S. Department of State issues Form DS-2019 which contains important program details for the scholar, including the visit's purpose and duration, funding information, and sponsor details.
Form DS-2019 is required to obtain a J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas and to enter and maintain legal status in the U.S. as a J-1 exchange visitor.
The consular officer who issues your visa should complete the Preliminary Endorsement section of the form. For Canadian citizens, this should be done at the Port of Entry into the United States.
You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the start date on the form and you must depart the U.S. or apply for another immigration status within 30 days after the end date.
Note that you are only permitted to engage in activities authorized under the program and category specified on Form DS-2019.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is administered by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to track J-1 Exchange Visitors.
As a new J-1 Exchange Visitor, you are required to pay a SEVIS fee of USD $220 before you can obtain your J-1 visa or before you enter the U.S. if you are visa exempt.
Pay the fee at https://fmjfee.com, the SEVIS I-901 fee processing website, before your visa interview appointment or before you enter the U.S. You will need
Print the I-901 receipt to take to your visa interview and/or to present when you enter the U.S.
As a new J-1 Exchange Visitor you must apply for a J-1 entry visa unless you are visa exempt (Canadian and Bermudian citizens). J-2 dependents must apply for J-2 entry visas (see below)
Find the U.S. Embassy, Consulate, Diplomatic Mission or office providing consular services where you will apply. On the website you will find instructions for making an appointment, paying the visa fee(s), and the documents you will need.
A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa only allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (generally an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States.
Period of Stay: Entry and Departure
J-1 exchange visitors may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before the start date on Form DS-2019 and/or the start date in the SEVIS record.
A J-1 Exchange Visitor program is limited to the following:
| J-1 Category | J-1 Length of stay* |
|---|---|
| Research Scholar | 3 weeks to 5 years |
| Professor | 3 weeks to 5 years |
| Short-term Scholar | Up to 6 months (no extensions |
| Specialist | 3 weeks to 1 year |
| Student Intern | 3 weeks to 1 year |
* J-1 lengths of stay do not replace university policy on appointment time limits. See Equal Pay for Equal Work Act Posting Guidance and Policy for Research Postdoctoral Fellows-Trainees.
A J-1 Exchange visitor has a 30-day grace period following the end date on the DS-2019 or the completion of the J program to
During the 30-day grace period, J-1 and J-2 exchange visitors are not in J visa status. They may not continue and/or complete exchange activities, nor may they be employed. The USCIS grants the grace period to allow exchange visitors to travel, settle their affairs, and prepare to return to their home countries. Although exchange visitors may travel in the United States, they should not travel beyond the borders of the United States, as they may not be permitted reentry in J-1 or J-2 status.
