DS-2019 -- Certificate of Eligibility
Form DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status” is a multi-purpose form certifying that the named visitor has been accepted and approved for an Exchange Visitor program. The DS-2019 allows you to apply for a U.S. J-1 entry visa, enter the country, and remain in the U.S. for the period and conditions specified on the form.
The DS-2019 is an important document and should be treated with care to prevent loss or theft. Keep all copies of current and past DS-2019s permanently for your records.
Created by SEVIS
The U.S. Department of State grants authority to approved institutions or organizations (program sponsor) to issue the DS-2019. After confirming the visitor’s eligibility for a J-1 program, the sponsor (PSU) enters information into the SEVIS system which returns the DS-2019. The school official (called the Responsible Officer) prints and signs the DS-2019 and then it is prepared for delivery to you. It is both your and the school’s responsibility to keep the information on the DS-2019 up-to-date at all times.
Visa Application
The DS-2019 verifies your eligibility for a J-1 Exchange Visitor entry visa. The DS-2019 must be presented to a U.S. consulate when applying for a visa together with all other required documents. The DS-2019 shows you are eligible for the visa, but does not guarantee that the visa will be issued.
Entry to the United States
The DS-2019 also verifies your eligibility for J-1 immigration status when entering the U.S. The DS-2019 must be presented to the inspecting officer, along with other required documents in order to be allowed entry into the U.S. as a J-1 scholar.
Evidence of Status in the United States
The DS-2019, along with your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, is evidence of your legal status in the U.S., and governs the amount of time you are allowed to stay in the country. You will be required to show your DS-2019 and other documents when applying for any government benefits such as work permits, a driver’s license, or Social Security number.
Elements of the DS-2019
- SEVIS ID # – Each exchange visitor is given a unique ID number by the SEVIS system. Your SEVIS ID can be found in the upper right corner, starting with the letter "N".
- Program Sponsor (section #2) – The program sponsor issues the DS-2019 and has the authority to determine the conditions of your exchange program.
- Program Begin & End Dates (section #3) – Your program dates determine when your program activities will begin and when they must end. Scholars may arrive no more than 30 days prior to the begin date and must depart no later than 30 days after the end date. Extensions must be requested and completed before a program end date.
- Scholar Category (section #4) – The exchange visitor program has a number of categories. Your category is listed here and determines the purpose and conditions of your stay in the U.S.
- Subject Code/Program Objective (section #4) – The DS-2019 is issued for a specific purpose and activity, referred to as the program objective. This section of the form describes the program objective. You must continue and maintain your program objective throughout your stay in order to maintain your J-1 status.
- Financial Support (section #5) – In order for the program sponsor to issue the DS-2019 you are required to show that you have sufficient financial support for the entire duration of your exchange program. Financial support can come from the program sponsor, home institution, governments, grants, personal funds, or other sources.
- Two-Year Home Country Requirement (lower left) – When you apply for a J-1 entry the visa, the visa officer will make a preliminary determination as to whether or not you are subject to the two-year home country requirement. Questions about the requirement should be discussed with an International Scholar Adviser.
- Travel Endorsements (lower right) – You must have a valid travel endorsement on your DS-2019 anytime you are traveling internationally and wish to re-enter the U.S.
- Exchange Visitor Signature (bottom) – You will be required to sign, name location at time of signature, and date the DS-2019. This is your agreement to all of the laws and regulations governing the J-1 program. It is recommended that you sign the DS-2019 at the time of your visa interview at the U.S. consulate.
- DS-2019 Page 2 (back of form) – Page 2 describes the J-1 program.
Your DS-2019 – An Important Document
It is not necessary carry your documents (passport, visa, I-94, DS-2019) with you while you are in the local Portland area. Your documents are very valuable and should be kept at home in a safe and secure location. However, we recommend that you make a copy of your I-94 and carry it in your wallet with you at all times. This will provide you with a form of immigration identification until you can access your original documents if needed.
Your passport, visa, I-94 and DS-2019 are important documents and can be very difficult, costly and time consuming to replace if lost or stolen. Make a complete set of copies of your documents and then put the original and copied documents in two different, safe and secure locations.
If you will be in Oregon for more than six months, you may want to obtain an Oregon driver’s license or state ID card for official ID purposes, in order to avoid carrying your passport with you. For license and ID information, see “Oregon Driver’s License/State ID.”