The SEVIS-generated Form DS-2019 is a one-page, 8 ½ by 11-inch white paper form with
a block containing a bar code with the designation “J1” or “J2 Dependent” above it
in the upper right corner. The letter “N” followed by the exchange visitor's 10-digit
SEVIS identification (ID) number appears in the upper right corner above the bar code
block.
NOTE: The DS-2019 has an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval number and expiration
date for that approval in the upper right-hand corner of the form. DS-2019s with an
OMB expiration date of "02-28-2005," "04-30-2008," "07-31-2011" or later are acceptable
and valid.
The DS-2019 contains information about the exchange visitor's status, the particular
program in which he or she is participating, and the duration of that program.
For instructions on entering the DS-2019 information to process a Social Security
Number (SSN) application, see RM 10211.365. For exhibits of the DS-2019 for J1 and J2 exchange visitors, see RM 10211.380.
Item 1 shows the name of the J1 or J2, gender, date of birth, citizenship information,
and U.S. address.
NOTE: The United States (U.S.) address is usually the site where the J1's program activity
will take place. In the case of Summer Work Travel participants, whose U.S. address
may not be known in advance as by immigration law only 50 percent must be pre-placed,
this address could be the sponsor's address.
Item 2 shows the exchange visitor's sponsoring organization name and identifies the
exchange visitor category authorized for that sponsor by the Department of State (DOS).
Do not routinely question whether DOS has approved the sponsor. If there is doubt
of the document’s authenticity or if you have any question about whether DOS has approved
the sponsor, contact your regional office (RO) and your RO will contact central office
(CO) policy staff.
Item 3 shows the period the applicant will be in the program.
DOS regulations allow J1 exchange visitors to be in the U.S. up to 30 days before
their program starts and 30 days after their program ends. Thus, accept a “Program
Start Date” up to 30 days in the future from when the applicant filed the SSN application.
Exchange visitors should use the 30-day period following the end of the program for
domestic travel or to prepare for and depart from the U.S. and for no other purpose.
Since sponsors may issue form DS-2019, and then later sign the form enter the issue
date/program start date to indicate proof of legal immigration status.
Item 4 shows the authorized exchange visitor category for the J1 or J2. For the complete
listing of all J1 categories, see RM 10211.345.
Item 5 provides a breakout of the total estimated financial support the participant
will receive during his or her program.
Item 6 contains a block for the immigration inspection officer to record the port
of entry, date admitted, exchange visitor's class of admission (e.g., “J1”), and length
of authorized stay. Effective August 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
stopped its practice of routinely placing an admission stamp in this field on the
DS-2019. Accept an unstamped DS-2019 if the exchange visitor also submits evidence of nonimmigrant status reflecting a
proper admission stamp per RM 10211.135.
Item 7 contains the signature, address, and telephone number of the sponsor's official
(Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer). It also provides the date
the sponsor printed and signed the DS-2019.
Effective April
27, 2023 the Department of State no longer requires Form DS-2019 to be signed in "blue ink."
In addition, sponsors may also sign and transmit Form DS-2019 using the following
methods:
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•
Electronically transmit (e.g., via email) a scanned version of the physically signed
Form DS-2019, or
-
•
Electronically transmit (e.g., via email) a digitally signed Form DS-2019 using electronic
signature software, e.g., DocuSign and Adobe Sign.
Item 8 provides a statement of the Responsible Officer for releasing the sponsor when
an exchange visitor transfers programs.
The block below Item 8 contains information completed by the consular or immigration
officer. This block may not contain the name and signature of the official when a
sponsor generates a new DS-2019 following a reportable event or if the original DS-2019
is lost or destroyed. Accept a valid DS-2019 even if the block below Item 8 is not
complete as long as the J1 also submits evidence of nonimmigrant status reflecting
a proper admission stamp per RM 10211.135.