Getting Started as a Newly Appointed Professor or Research Scholar

Applying for your DS-2019

If you are an eligible scholar who has received an official invitation letter from a Lehman College faculty member, you may qualify to pursue J-1 visa status and initiate an application for a DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant).”

To apply for your DS-2019, you will need to complete the J-1 Exchange Visitor DS-2019 Request Form and the Foreign Influence Due Diligence Form.

• Make sure the application and form are complete. Submit them and all supporting documents via Liquid Files.
• In preparing your financial documentation, please ensure that all statements have been issued within the last 6 months from the date of request.
• To demonstrate your financial eligibility, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria as per 22 CFR 62.23(c)(1)-(5):
  1. You are financed directly or indirectly by
     • The United States Government;
     • The government of the student's home country; or
     • An international organization of which the United States is a member by treaty or statute;
  2. The program is carried out pursuant to an agreement between the United States Government and a foreign government;
  3. The program is carried out pursuant to written agreement between:
     • American and foreign academic institutions;
     • An American academic institution and a foreign government; or
     • A state or local government in the United States and a foreign government;
  4. You are supported substantially (60% or more) by funding from any source other than personal or family funds

• Once uploaded, your Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) will review your request form within 5 business days and contact you if additional documentation is needed.
• Once your DS-2019 request file is remarked as complete and eligible, you will receive your DS-2019 within the next 5 business days.

Once you receive your DS-2019, you will be able to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and proceed to apply for your J-1 visa at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.