How to Request a Form DS-2019

New J-1 Scholars

• The inviting department, laboratory, or center (DLC) submits a J-1 sponsorship request to the ISchO at least 75 days in advance of the desired MIT start date. The J-1 request is submitted electronically via the ISchO Portal.
  
   
• The ISchO screens the J-1 request to verify completeness and the scholar's eligibility for sponsorship.
  
   
• The ISchO prepares a Form DS-2019 (and J-2 Forms DS-2019 for accompanying family members, if applicable) and attachments and provides them to the scholar.
  
   
• The scholar prints the DS-2019 and Cover Letter and signs the DS-2019.
  
   
• The scholar pays the required SEVIS fee and takes the Form DS-2019 to an American Consulate or Embassy to request a J-1 visa stamp in the passport and a J-2 visa stamp for a spouse or child. If the consul issues the visa stamp, the scholar may arrange to come to the United States.
  
   
• Note: There is a different procedure for transferring a scholar's J-1 visa sponsorship from another institution's exchange program to MIT's sponsorship. Contact the ISchO for information.

J-1 Extensions

• The sponsoring DLC submits a J-1 Scholar Extension request via the ISchO Portal to the ISchO at least 30 days (or more) before the end date of the current Form DS-2019.
  
   
• The ISchO screens the request to verify completeness and the scholar's eligibility for continued J-1 sponsorship.
  
   
• The ISchO prepares an extension Form DS-2019 (and J-2 Forms DS-2019 for accompanying family members, if applicable) and gives it to the scholar.
  
   
• The scholar prints the DS-2019 and Cover Letter and signs the DS-2019.

Please Note:

• Department of State regulations require that the ISchO be informed when a scholar withdraws or completes a program prior to the ending date on his or her Form DS-2019 or when a scholar has been terminated from his or her program. Any unused Form DS-2019 must be returned to the ISchO.
  
   
• Due to changes in U.S. government practices, it is imperative that the names of scholars and family members be written exactly as they appear in their passports. Please verify this before submitting your J-1 request to the ISchO.
  
   
• All requested items must be completed. Review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

The minimum processing time to issue a new or extension Form DS-2019 is 30 days from the date all required information is received.

Please Note: This does not mean a new scholar will be able to arrive in 30 days. He/she must pay the SEVIS fee and make an appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate,* wait for the visa to be issued,* and make travel arrangements. This process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, or longer if the Embassy or Consulate determines that a security check is necessary. Therefore, initial Forms DS-2019 will not be issued with a start date less than 75 days from the date all required information is received.

*Special note about Canadian citizens: Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa stamp from a U.S. consulate officer. However, they must present the Form DS-2019 and SEVIS fee receipt at the border or port of entry in order to be admitted in J-1 status and be given a Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure card) or admission stamp with the correct notations.

The designated DLC administrative contact should use ISchO Portal the ISchO’s “e-intake” system, to request a Form DS-2019 for an individual who will be new to MIT as a scholar. Please contact the ISchO for more information on how to access and use ISchO Portal.

All requests for incoming J-1 exchange visitors must be accompanied by an English Language Proficiency Verification Form*.

*An MIT certificate is needed to access this form.