J-1 Visa Checklist

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. 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 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. To pay the SEVIS Fee go to FMJfee.com, click on Pay I-901 Fee and complete the form using the information from your DS-2019. Print payment confirmation and keep it with your I-20.

Graduate Employees (GEs): If you have been offered a GE, the university will reimburse the SEVIS fee and visa fee. For more information and instructions on how to request reimbursement of the SEVIS fee and visa fee, go to https://graduatestudies.uoregon.edu/academics/policies/ge/sevis-reimbursement.

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 at 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. 

Students can only enter the United States 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20. Students who attempt to enter the United States more than 30 days before their program start date may be found inadmissible by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

To help ensure smooth entry into the United States, students and school officials should confirm the following prior to arrival at a U.S. port of entry:

  • Students have an active I-901 SEVIS Fee payment on the Form I-20 that they are traveling under.
  • The name of the school on the Form I-20 matches the name of the school on the visa.
  • Student financial information remains up to date in SEVIS.
  • Students do not attempt to enter the United States more than 30 days in advance of their Program Start Date.

Departing the U.S.

You have a 30-day grace period, after the DS-2019 program end date, to remain legally in the U.S. You cannot work or study during the 30-day grace period, but you can use this time to wrap up your affairs, travel in the U.S., or transfer to another program. You should meet with an international student advisor in International Student & Scholar Services with any questions you may have prior to your program end date.