PROGRAM REGULATIONS:
Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-2): Form DS-2019
International visitors invited to exchange ideas and information with the US Forest Service are issued U.S. Department of State Certificates of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. This document is commonly referred to as a DS-2019 Form (formerly the IAP-66 Form). The holder of a DS-2019 may apply for a J-1 visa, the special visa class for exchange visitors engaging in educational and cultural exchange. It is generally used for visiting researchers, specialists or others sponsored by the US Forest Service who are coming to the United States for educational programs of limited duration. This visa category is not intended for permanent employment nor may it be used to engage an exchange visitor in an activity that might otherwise displace a U.S. citizen.
Dependents of J-1 Exchange visitors are issued DS-2019 forms to be considered for J-2 Status. The DS-2019 is not a guarantee that the applicant will receive the visa. An applicant must meet all other requirements required by a US Department of State Consular Officer.
The information included on the Form DS-2019 must be accurate and correspond with the data on the exchange visitor’s passport, visa application, letter of invitation, etc. Host Units and Exchange Visitors should review the DS-2019 form carefully to ensure there are no errors. Pay close attention to sections 1, 3, 4 and 5. If there are errors, please notify International Programs immediately. |
