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International Student Services

Understanding your DS-2019

The Certificate of Eligibility is a federal form, created in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), by either the authorized DSO or ARO at your university. The certificate of eligibility is also known as the I-20, for F students, or DS-2019, for J students. It serves many functions. One function is its crucial role in the visa application process. You must have this document, issued, and signed in blue ink by your ISS advisor prior to applying for your U.S. visa.

The I-20 or DS-2019 has the following necessary information:

  1. Your SEVIS ID number.
  2. The name of your school (or site of activity).
  3. Your degree level or exchange visitor category.
  4. Your program of study.
  5. The program start and estimated completion date.
  6. Any practical training authorizations or endorsements.
  7. Travel signatures.
  8. Other valuable information used by federal officials either at the consulate or port of entry. 

If you decide to leave the U.S. for a brief period during your program, you will need to receive a travel signature from your ISS advisor to re-enter the country. Note that travel signatures are only valid for up to one year. If the travel signature on your document has expired, please see your ISS advisor for a new one.

The certificate of eligibility will also serve as proof of authorization if you decide to pursue academic or practical training during your time here in the states.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The DS-2019 is the certificate of eligibility issued to exchange visitors to allow them entry into the United States to participate in an exchange program. Your DS-2019 is a necessary federal form that serves as proof of your student status in the United States. It is the form that allows you to apply for the J visa and enter the United States to attend university under a degree-seeking program.

  • After admission into a program, the university’s ARO or RO will create your DS-2019, provided you have given the necessary proof (e.g., passport, proof of funding, etc.). The creation of this document is done in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System, or SEVIS, which is a government database that holds and manages all the records for nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors in the U.S.

  • The DS-2019 is a multipurpose federal form. Here is a list of its uses, to name a few:

    • Paying the I-901 SEVIS fee.
    • Applying for a nonimmigrant visa. 
    • Entering the United States.
    • Changing status (if you are already in the United States).
    • Applying for benefits (i.e.. social security number).
    • Authorizing academic training.

    Please read the instructions on page 2 of your DS-2019 to understand the purpose and regulations that come with your status as an exchange visitor.

  • Absolutely. Your DS-2019 serves as proof of your exchange visitor status in the United States. When traveling, do not pack it away in your suitcase. It should always be with you while traveling. If you plan to leave the United States and return, you will need to have a travel validation signature from the RO or an ARO at your university.

  • Absolutely. Your DS-2019 serves as proof of your exchange visitor status in the United States. When traveling, do not pack it away in your suitcase. It should always be with you while traveling. If you plan to leave the United States and return, you will need to have a travel validation signature from the RO or an ARO at your university.

  • Yes. You should keep all your DS-2019s while you are in the United States Your most recent DS-2019 will be the one you present to any federal official upon request. It will also be the one used for travel, work, or other purposes.

  • If you lose your DS-2019, please contact our office to request a replacement. If you are outside the United States, you must have the replacement before attempting to re-enter. If you are off island, you will be responsible for any delivery fees necessary to send the document. Please allow sufficient time for processing and mail delivery.

  • The program end date is your expected graduation date, calculated based on any transfer credits and the average time it takes for students to complete their program. This date is in box 3 of your DS-2019.

  • When J students successfully complete their program, they are allowed a 30-day grace period to 1) depart the United States or 2) change status.

    If you are planning to pursue post-completion academic training, you must follow the process. Deadlines are effective each semester. If authorized for post-completion AT, the student must begin training no later than 30 days from the program end date.