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Information for Exchange Visitors

How to Apply for DS-2019

In order to request the DS-2019 (immigration document to take to U.S. Consulate/Embassy to apply for the J-1 visa), the exchange visitor must submit the following documents to CSULA International Programs and Services. Upon receipt of the documents and review, the DS-2019 will be issued. The exchange visitor will then take the DS-2019 to the U.S. Consulate/Embassy to process the J-1 visa stamp.

1. Copy of biographical page of passport;
2. Resume/CV of applicant;
3. Proof of financial support (if sponsored by CSULA funds, no documents necessary);
4. Letter from sponsoring professor providing a brief description of the exchange visitor’s program at CSULA;
5. Fee as appropriate for non-degree student;
6. If dependents are included, provide copies of passport biographical pages of dependents;

Exchange visitors may view the website for the U.S. Department of State for specific visa application instructions.

To pay the additional SEVIS fee, visit ICE website and pay the SEVIS fee online. Proof of payment must be submitted with the visa application.

For further details about the exchange visitor program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, you may view their website.

Activities as an Exchange Visitor

The exchange visitor may only engage in the activities as stated in the DS-2019 (#4). Any substantial change to the activities undertaken by the exchange visitor must be reported to and obtain approval from the International Programs and Services. If the exchange visitor is uncertain whether a change is ‘substantial’ or not, this should be addressed to the appropriate staff member at International Programs and Services.

Employment

The exchange visitor is not permitted to accept employment from any other department/entity other than the sponsoring department. For example, if the exchange visitor is sponsored by Department of Electrical Engineering, he/she could not be paid by Department of Computer Information Systems, even if the work is similar. The exchange visitor must consult with the proper staff member at International Programs and Services.

Any off-campus employment must be pre-approved by International Programs and Services.

Health Insurance Requirements

All exchange visitors and dependents are required by the U.S. Department of State to have valid medical insurance during their program in the U.S. The benefit requirements are as follows:

1. Be issued by a US-owned company that is headquartered and operating in the United States;
2. Deductible does not exceed $500 per illness or injury;
3. Includes a benefit of $10,000 for medical evacuation and $7,500 for repatriation;
4. Not require more than a six-month treatment-free period prior to coverage and must not require more than a six-month waiting period.

Extension of Stay Request

The request to extend the program must be submitted to IPS at least 15 days prior to the current DS-2019 expiration date. Failure to submit the request prior to the expiration date will result in the termination of the J-1 status.

Documents to submit for Extension of Stay:

1. Copy of biographical page of passport;
2. Proof of financial support (if sponsored by CSULA funds, no documents necessary);
3. Letter from sponsoring professor providing a brief explanation for the delay in completing the original program;
4. If dependents are included, provide copies of passport biographical pages of dependents;

Exchange visitor may NOT apply for an extension if:

1. waiver of the 2-year home residency requirement has been filed;
2. an application for permanent residence has been filed;
3. a petition for H-1B visa has been filed; or
4. maximum duration of stay has been reached under the category.

Traveling and Re-Entry into the U.S.

Please see “Exiting and Re-Entering the U.S.” under international students.