Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor, is the basic document used in the administration of the exchange visitor program. The form permits a prospective exchange visitor to seek an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate to obtain a J visa to enter the U.S. The form identifies the exchange visitor and their designated sponsor and provides a brief description of the exchange visitor’s program, including the start and end date, category of exchange, and an estimate of the cost of the exchange program.
The University, as a designated sponsor, is authorized to issue this form to prospective exchange visitors they have screened and selected for participation in the exchange visitor program. The information in this form is completed by the University prior to being given to the participant, who once given the DS-2019, can apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for the J-1 visa. At the port of entry, the USCIS officer endorses the form with an admission stamp (section 6) and returns the original SEVIS Form or copy 3 (pink) of the paper-based user form to the visitor.
WHAT MAKES IT VALID?
- Name matches passport
- Approved program sponsor (section 2)
- May work or study only at the organization shown. May not transfer to another organization unless release is obtained from original sponsor and USCIS prior to transfer.
- Unexpired (section 3)
- May stay only for the duration described. If a timely request for and extension is approved, UNL ISSO will issue a new DS-2019 stating "the purpose of this form is to . . . extend an on-going program" (in top righthand corner)
- Specifically approved occupation (section 4)
- May engage only in activities pertaining to the program described
- Approved reimbursement (section 5)
- Sponsor’s commitment which provides evidence of adequate financial resources during visitor’s authorized stay
- UNL ISSO endorsement (section 7)
- Signed at time of original petition. Changes to the DS-2019 must be approved by sponsor.
- For occasional lectures or consultations for an organization not shown on DS-2019, must have written approval from UNL ISSO
- For J-1 Academic Training, UNL ISSO issues a new DS-2019 along with a letter of approval
Information from an employee's Form DS-2019 is populated in SAP infotype IT0094.
