OIA Procedures for Sponsoring J-1 Exchange Visitors

The following describes procedures for obtaining a Form DS-2019 "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (EV, J-1) Status" from the Office of International Affairs for a foreign national who has been offered an academic appointment/visit at the University of Chicago.

Download the required forms from our website and request support documentation from your prospective employee/visitor/scholar. Please review the instructions and checklist. 

A completed request includes:

  • Host Department Request Form
  • Exchange Visitor (EV) Information Form
  • English Language Proficiency Form
  • Passport
  • CV/Resume
  • Copy of signed offer/invitation letter
  • Copy of Job/Program Description
  • Current/Prior Immigration documents (if applicable)
  • "Five-point" letter (if prospective EV is an MD)
  • Dependent passport(s) (if applicable)
  • Proof of external funding (if applicable)

General processing time is 5-7 business days. Once the request is completed OIA will email the Form DS2019 to the prospective employee/scholar/visitor and department will be copied on that email. Incomplete requests will result in the delayed issuance of the Form DS2019. 

IMPORTANT

Every department that requests - and receives - Forms DS-2019 from OIA to host J-1 exchange visitors at the University of Chicago is required to carry out the following responsibilities:

  • Inform OIA of any changes in arrival date if the Exchange Visitor will not arrive on campus within two weeks of the "start date" listed on the Form DS-2019;
  • Advise newly arrived J-1 exchange visitors to check in personally at OIA within 3 business days of arrival with all relevant immigration documents (Form DS-2019, passport, I-94 card, and J-1 visa). This includes the documents of any spouse and/or children in J-2 status;
  • Inform OIA of early departure of an exchange visitor who leaves his/her program 30 days or more before the indicated "end date" on Form DS-2019;
  • Update OIA regarding any changes of funding for the exchange visitor from what was originally indicated on the J-1 request.