The DS-2019 Form, officially titled the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, is the core document that allows an individual to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa.
It is issued exclusively by a designated sponsor organization, such as Summa Global Education (US Trainee), under authorization from the U.S. Department of State.
What Is the DS-2019?
The DS-2019 is a government-issued form that identifies the exchange visitor, describes the specific J-1 program category (such as Trainee, Intern, Teacher, or Student), and authorizes the individual to seek a J-1 visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.
This form is used both for initial visa applications and for extensions or changes of program within the U.S.
Who Issues the DS-2019?
Only organizations designated by the U.S. Department of State as Exchange Visitor Program sponsors may issue DS-2019 forms.
Sponsors use the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to generate the document.
Each DS-2019 carries a unique SEVIS identification number beginning with “N,” which is linked to the participant’s electronic record in SEVIS.
Before a sponsor can issue the form, it must:
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Verify the applicant’s eligibility for the J-1 category.
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Confirm financial resources sufficient to support the participant during the program.
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Prepare and approve the DS-7002 Training/Internship Placement Plan (for Trainee and Intern categories).
What Information Does the DS-2019 Include?
According to official Department of State documentation, the form contains:
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The exchange visitor’s personal information (name, date of birth, nationality)
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The program sponsor’s name and designation number
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The program category (e.g., Trainee) and subject field
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The start and end dates of the program
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The estimated financial support for the participant
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The SEVIS identification number (N-XXXXXXX…)
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The signature of the Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)
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A unique barcode for tracking and verification
Why the DS-2019 Is Important
The DS-2019 serves multiple legal and administrative purposes under 22 CFR §62.12:
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Visa Application:
It is the official document that allows the participant to apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. -
Proof of Program Sponsorship:
It confirms that the participant is part of an approved exchange visitor program under a U.S. government-authorized sponsor. -
SEVIS Record Management:
It links the individual to their SEVIS record, which tracks status, updates, and program activities. -
Port-of-Entry and Status Verification:
Upon entry to the U.S., the DS-2019 is reviewed by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) along with the J-1 visa.
Participants must keep the DS-2019 form valid and up to date during their entire stay in the United States.
Before Applying for a J-1 Visa
After receiving the DS-2019 from the sponsor, participants must:
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Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee using the SEVIS ID number listed on the form.
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Official payment portal: https://fmjfee.com
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Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application at https://ceac.state.gov.
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Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
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Bring the DS-2019 (with signatures) to the interview, along with other required documents.
Maintaining Status
While in the U.S., participants must always ensure that:
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Their DS-2019 form remains valid (no expired program dates).
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Any changes to site, sponsor, or category are approved in advance by the sponsor.
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They retain the original DS-2019 with signatures at all times.
Sponsors are responsible for updating SEVIS with changes, extensions, or early completion notices.
Replacement or Extension
If a DS-2019 is lost, damaged, or requires an extension, only the sponsoring organization can issue a replacement or updated form.
Participants must contact their sponsor’s Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) directly.
In Summary
The DS-2019 form is the official foundation of every J-1 visa program.
It proves that the exchange visitor has been accepted into a U.S. Department of State–authorized program, defines the training or study period, and serves as the key link to the SEVIS tracking system.
Maintaining an accurate and valid DS-2019 ensures compliance with federal regulations and helps participants complete their program successfully.
📄 Reference Sources:
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U.S. Department of State — 22 CFR §62.12: Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status
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BridgeUSA Official Website: https://j1visa.state.gov
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — SEVIS Information
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security — SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment Portal (https://fmjfee.com)
📧 For inquiries: ustrainee@anbeducation.com
🌐 To apply US Trainee: https://j1.ustrainee.org