Understanding Form DS-2019: Your Guide to the J-1 Visa Certificate of Eligibility

Understanding Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility is crucial to obtaining a J-1 visa and legally training in the U.S. By properly obtaining this federal document and receiving approval from a U.S. consulate or embassy, you will be able to travel to the U.S. and participate in J-1 visa programs, such as the Intern- and Traineeships. 

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) authorizes designated sponsors like AIFS Professional Pathways to issue this federal form. In addition to issuing Form DS-2019 and Form DS-7002, we offer valuable expertise, efficient processing times, and reliable support to make the J-1 visa approval and program process as smooth as possible.

What is Form DS-2019?

Form DS-2019, also called the “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status,” is a federal document that grants an exchange visitor the opportunity to apply for a J-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. It is controlled by the Department of State and issued through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems (SEVIS), a Department of Homeland Security database that holds information about F, M, and J visa holders. 

The form is issued by the J-1 sponsor after a thorough evaluation of the foreign national, U.S. Host Company (employer), and the position description to ensure eligibility for the J-1 visa. The form indicates that vetting has occurred, and the foreign nationals’ J-1 has been sponsored. 

The applicant brings this document, along with their DS-7002, valid passport, and I-901 receipt when applying for their visa at the consulate or embassy. (For Canadian citizens: With the issuance of these documents, you can travel to the U.S. without a visa appointment at the consulate.) 

All approved J-1 holders must travel into the U.S. with the DS-2019 to ensure their entry is processed under the J-1 visa. You can legally travel to the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date listed on the DS-2019 and must exit within 30 days of the end date (this is known as the ‘grace period’). 

Finally, once in the U.S., this document demonstrates the J-1 holder’s legal status and U.S. work authorization at the vetted host company. 

What is on Form DS-2019?

The Certificate of Eligibility is a two-page document linked to the exchange visitor’s SEVIS record, which generates a unique identification code. Each SEVIS ID number begins with one letter and is followed by up to 10 digits (e.g., B0123456789) and can be found in the top right corner of the form. 

Besides the SEVIS ID number, the following can be found on Form DS-2019: 

1. Exchange Visitor Identification (Block 1)

Lists the personal identifying information of the J-1 participant (name, country of birth and citizenship, sex, date of birth, etc.) to match the related passport as well as the name of the approved Host Company and the primary company address where the position will take place. For J-2 holders, this section also lists the name of the associated J-1 holder.

2. Sponsor & Program Information (Block 2)

Identifies the designated sponsor organization (e.g., AIFS Professional Pathways), along with the visa category (e.g., Trainee or Intern) and associated ‘program number’. The program number is uniquely assigned to the sponsor and signifies the visa category.  

When the form is first printed, this section also includes the number of accompanying J-2 dependents (such as a spouse or children accompanying the participant), if applicable.

3. Program Details (Blocks 3 and 4)

Specifies the start and end dates of the J-1 program (the dates in which the J-1 holder can legally intern/train in the U.S.), along with the program category (Intern or Trainee), and the description of the field of training. 

4. Financial Support (Block 5)

Provides the breakdown of the total financial resources available to the participant during their program in the U.S. This includes personal funding, government funding, and compensation from the Host Company.

5. Sponsor Signatures (Block 7)

At the time of approval, Block 7 will be signed manually or via certified digital signature by an officer of your sponsor. This official is a person you or a federal official can contact.

Once in the country, a J-1 holder must obtain approval from their sponsor to travel internationally. For destinations outside of Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands, approval is granted with a signature on the bottom right corner of the DS-2019. 

6. Participant Signature

On the bottom of page one, participants are required to sign, indicating their agreement with the certification statement on page two.

7. Page Two

This page outlines important regulatory information that foreign nationals must be familiar with and understand. 

Who Can Receive a DS-2019?

Only individuals accepted into a qualifying J-1 Exchange Visitor Program and who meet the eligibility criteria approved by a DOS-designated sponsor like AIFS Professional Pathways can receive Form DS-2019. These programs include J-1 Internship and Trainee programs, along with other cultural exchange programs. The form is also issued to dependents (J-2 visa holders) accompanying a J-1 participant. 

To qualify for a Certificate of Eligibility, applicants must:  

• Be accepted into a program administered by a designated sponsor. 
• Have a compliant, full-time position at a bonafide U.S. business.  
• Demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover expenses during their stay. 
• Have the intent to return to their home country upon completing the program, as the J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa category. 

AIFS Professional Pathways—Your Guide to Navigating Form DS-2019

If you’re unsure if you or a prospective program participant are eligible for a J-1 Visa Intern or Trainee Program, AIFS Professionals can help determine eligibility at no cost. Plus, our J-1 visa specialists can provide a case for eligibility where other sponsors may not. Not only do we help with eligibility and Form DS-2019 submission, we also provide support throughout the duration of the program. While navigating the J-1 visa process can be complicated, choosing AIFS Professional Pathways is an easy solution. 

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