What is DS-2019?
Information About The Form DS-2019 or “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status"
The Form DS-2019 or "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" is the official document that allows you to seek an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in order to obtain the J-1 Visa. The J-1 Visa is needed for internationals to enter in the United States and start a BridgeUSA J-1 Intern or Trainee Program. No matter the length of the internship or training program, a Form DS-2019 is required and it can only be issued by a J-1 Sponsor Organization.
The Form DS-2019 identifies the details of the J-1 Exchange Visitor (Participant), the information of their designated U.S. Sponsor Organization, and a brief description of the J-1 Intern or Trainee Program, which includes the start and end date of the program, the program category and estimated cost. Here you may find a detailed description of Form DS-2019.
How To Obtain A Form DS-2019?
A U.S. Sponsor Organization is required for obtaining your DS-2019, and other important documents (e.g. DS-7002), as well as determining your eligibility for a program. The sponsor is also responsible for your health, safety and welfare during your program in the United States. After screening participants and collecting the necessary documents from them, designated sponsors are authorized to issue Form DS-2019 so that the participants can seek an interview for the J-1 Visa. Whether or not your J-1 visa is approved is at the Consular Officer’s discretion and will be based on your interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.
Our sister company, Odyssey International Exchange, is a J-1 Sponsor Organization designated by the U.S. Department of State, to issue DS-2019 Forms for prospective participants who wish to participate in a BridgeUSA J-1 Intern or Trainee Program. International Trainee Network (ITN) & Odyssey International Exchange provide All-Inclusive Programs and Self-Placed Programs to thousands of participants every year. The DS-2019 Form, which will be issued by Odyssey International Exchange, is unique to you and identifies you in SEVIS (more information about SEVIS).
If you are applying for our All-Inclusive Program, ITN and Odyssey International Exchange will collect all the necessary documents from you in order to issue Form DS-2019. The process of collecting the necessary documents will start after you are be selected for a J-1 Intern or Trainee Program by one of our host company partners.
If you are applying for our Self-Placed Program, that means you secured a training opportunity in the United States on your own. Our teams will confirm your placement, assess your J-1 Visa eligibility for the program, collect the necessary documents and issue your Form DS-2019.
After we approve your application and you receive your DS2019, you will apply for the J-1 Visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, where you will submit the Form DS-2019 together with other important documents. The Form DS-2019 serves to demonstrate to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate that Odyssey International Exchange is supporting your application and vetted you for the J-1 Intern or Trainee Program in the United States.
Our teams at International Trainee Network and Odyssey International Exchange will keep you updated and be available for any questions you may have during your application process.
