You will be able to apply for your DS-2019 “Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant)” now that you have been admitted to an eligible program.

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

• Make sure the application is complete. Submit it 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.
• If you are joining Lehman College from one of our Exchange Partner Universities, you will qualify for the “Student Non-Degree" category and may be fully supported by personal or family funds.
• If you are not joining Lehman College from one of our Exchange Partner Universities and wish to pursue J-1 visa status, you may qualify for the “Student” category provided you can demonstrate substantial financial support from the U.S. government, your home government, or an international organization. Most degree-seeking students pursue the F-1 visa.
• 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 form is remarked as complete, you will receive your DS-2019 within the next 5 business days.

Once you receive your Form I-20, you will be able to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and proceed to apply for your F-1 visa at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

If you are considering applying for a Change of Status in the U.S. now that you have been admitted to an eligible program of study at Lehman College, we recommend you consult with an experienced immigration lawyer first and retain their services if you decide to file the application with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). International Student and Scholar Services at Lehman College will not be able to advise you on this process. If you are eligible to apply for a Change of Status to F-1, you may apply for your Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

To apply for your Form I-20, you will need to complete the I-20 Application.

• Make sure the application is complete. Submit it 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 application.
• Did you know that you can have multiple financial sponsors? If you will have multiple sponsors, each sponsor must provide: financial documentation in the amount that they will cover, a current employment letter or most recent tax return, and a completed Affidavit of Support form.
• Once uploaded, your Designated School Official (DSO) will review your application within 5 business days and contact you if additional documentation is needed.
• Once your I-20 application is remarked as complete, you will receive your Form I-20 within the next 5 business days.

Once you receive your Form I-20, you will be able to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and proceed with other filing requirements. Unless your current visa status allows you to study, you will not be able to begin studying until your Change of Status application to F-1 has been approved by USCIS.