Coming April 27, 2023! J-1 DS-2019 Digital Signatures & Electronic Distribution

Please note: The information provided in this post was accurate and up-to-date at the time of posting. Due to the dynamic nature of immigration policy, it is possible that the information or links provided may have changed over time. Users are advised to verify the accuracy and relevance of the content.

March 28, 2023

The U.S. Department of State announced the publication of an Interim Final Rule that permits designated sponsors for the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) to digitally sign and electronically transmit the J-1 DS-2019 form, effective April 27, 2023. With this change, sponsors like UC Berkeley can either

  • print and physically sign paper forms in ink, scan and save them, and electronically transmit them (e.g., via email).
  • OR, sponsors onors may may use digital signature software to sign Forms DS-2019 and then electronically transmit them. 

After receiving the DS-2019s electronically, J-1 visitors will still need to physically print and hand-sign their own DS-2019s for travel or other purposes. 

Beginning April 27, 2023 J-1s will now see new email delivery options and digital travel endorsement options on the BIO website. Keep in mind that before April 27, BIO must still print and sign DS-2019s by hand, and DS-2019 documents may be mailed or picked up.

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