DS-2019 Request Instructions

The information below is intended for UCB department adminstrators who are preparing the DS-2019 Request Form for their J-1 Exchange Visitors (scholars). We hope these helpful tips make the process go more smoothly.

The DS-2019 Request Form
Please use the most recent DS-2019 Request Form. This form is a fillable MS Word form that you must save to your computer before completing. You will then fill in the gray-shaded areas, print it out and submit it to Berkeley International Office along with the required attachments. If you have any problems with the form, please email jscholar@berkeley.edu.

Who completes the DS-2019 Request Form
To ensure accuracy and consistency of information, the DS-2019 Request Form should be completed and reviewed by the department administrator.

Timing Your Request
Submit your request at least two to four months before the scholar’s appointment begin date to ensure that the scholar receives the documents needed to obtain a visa. Our J-1 Process Overview information sheet gives a timeline for the steps necessary to bring a scholar to the U.S.

Processing Times to Receive the DS-2019
Our standard processing time for producing the DS-2019 document is 10 business days from receipt of a complete DS-2019 Request Form. Incomplete DS-2019 requests cannot be processed and will be put on hold until complete.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
The following is a list of items that frequently lead to delays in producing the DS-2019 for your scholars:

Forgetting to attach the proof of campus approval to invite your scholar such as a letter from the Dean’s or VSPA approval.
Forgetting to attach evidence of the scholar’s funding sources and amounts.
Indicating an incorrect spelling of the scholar’s name and birth date. The correct way to do it is to copy the information as it appears in the passport. The informationon the DS-2019 must match the passport to prevent problems for the scholar’s visa and entry into the U.S.
Indicating incorrect (don't match approval letter) or unrealistic (not enough time for scholar to get visa) appointment dates for the scholar.

Please double-check your request form to make sure the information is accurate and dates are realistic and consistent with the appointment letter.

Late Requests
Berkeley International Office reserves the right to estimate an appropriate start date on the Form DS-2019 based on the following factors:

the standard 10 business days processing time
the necessary time for documents to reach the visitor via Federal Express
the estimated time for the visitor to obtain a visa at a U.S. consulate
the scholar's ability to make reasonable travel arrangements


	DS-2019 Request Instructions for UCB Departments	A-Z Index
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