International Center University of Florida

The DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) is the document issued by EVS to prospective students and their dependents to allow them to apply for a J visa under UF sponsorship.  

 This page outlines the process from your admission until you receive form DS-2019. 

Step 1: Admission 

The UF Office of Admissions or your UF academic department will send an admission letter to you via email and/or physical mail. This letter must be saved for the visa application process. If you receive an electronic letter, please print the letter in color for use in your visa application. 

After admission, your academic department will submit a New International Student Request for you in the International Center’s portal. This application does not require your academic department to indicate which visa you will seek. Instead, you will indicate your desired visa when you complete Step 2. 

The DS-2019 process cannot begin until you have been admitted by UF and this request has been submitted. 

Step 2: New International Student Request Form 

 You will receive an initial email from UFIC instructing you to complete the New International Student Request Form online. This form will request your biographical information and your visa preference. It will also prompt you to upload passport scans for you and any requested J-2 dependents, as well as proof of funding. 

Funding 

Funding requirements for J-1 visas are different than for F-1 visas. The amount listed on the application form applies only to F-1 visa applicants; you may be requested to provide additional proof of funds via email after submitting your application.  

In addition to tuition and fees, J-1 exchange visitors at UF must demonstrate the following minimum funding for living expenses: 

Accepted Proof of Funding Includes: 

• Assistantship/Fellowship Letter 
• Scholarship Letter 
• Bank statement showing balance of checking or savings account 
• Education Loans 
• Certificate of Financial Responsibility for funding from a friend or family member 
  • Per federal requirements, the proof of funding cannot be in the name of your J-2 spouse, although joint accounts bearing your name are acceptable 

All documentation must be in English or accompanied by an English translation. 

Sources that will not be accepted as proof of funding include a friend or family member's salary, paycheck, or tax return; credit cards; insurance policies; and non-liquid assets such as property or investment accounts. 

After you submit the New International Student Request Form, EVS will review it within 7 business days. Your EVS advisor may email you to request additional information/documentation prior to issuing your DS-2019.  

Step 3: Access to DS-2019 

 When your DS-2019 has been issued, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing the DS-2019 in the International Center's online portal. This email will also provide information about next steps in the visa process and the J-1 degree student check-in process.