J-1 Students

DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility"

A DS-2019 is issued by International Student & Scholar Services based on your admission to the University of Oregon and evidence of financial support. The DS-2019 is required to apply for a J-1 visa and is a required document for entry to the U.S. Keep your DS-2019 with your passport. The DS-2019 will be sent via email as a PDF file. You must print the DS-2019, sign and date in order for it to be used for official purposes.

If your plans change and you do not plan to attend the University of Oregon, email International Student & Scholar Services at intl@uoregon.edu.

  • Review your DS-2019 for accuracy, sign and date. Your name and birthdate should match your passport. If corrections are necessary, email a copy of your passport to intl@uoregon.edu.
  • The DS-2019 Program State Date coincides with the start of of classes. You must plan to arrive in Eugene before the DS-2019 program start date. If your arrival is delayed, please send an email to intl@uoregon.edu for instructions.
  • The DS-2019 Program End Date is an estimate and may not reflect the actual completion date of your degree program. For exchange students, the program end date is the actual end date of your program.
  • The DS-2019 Estimated Average Costs are based on non-resident tuition and fees, and estimated living and school expenses. Actual costs may be higher or lower depending on specific program costs and individual needs.

I-901 SEVIS Fee

The I-901 SEVIS Fee ($220) is a required payment to the U.S. government based on your DS-2019 SEVIS ID number. You are required to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before you apply for your J-1 visa.

Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee at FMJfee.com. Print payment confirmation and keep it with your DS-2019.

Graduate Employees (GE) may request reimbursement of the I-901 SEVIS fee from the UO Graduate School. For reimbursement instructions, go to SEVIS Fee Reimbursement for International GEs.

J-1 Visa

After you receive the DS-2019, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a J-1 visa. You must present a printed, signed & dated DS-2019 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.

Learn how to schedule your visa interview and apply for your visa. Review the student visas page on travel.state.gov as well as the instructions at the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply for a visa.  After you receive your visa, check to see that you received the right type of visa and that your name and date of birth are correct and match the information in your passport.

Entering the U.S. 

You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the DS-2019 program start date; not earlier! Carry your passport and visa, DS-2019, and letter of admission. Admission to the U.S. should be a smooth experience if you have everything prepared in advance.