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J-1 Visa FAQ

What Is the DS-2019 Form?
The DS-2019 form is evidence that you have been sponsored by the International YMCA for your visa. It also indicates the dates between which you can work in the USA. You must obtain the DS-2019 before you apply for the J-1 visa.

The DS-2019 is not valid without the J-1 Visa and the J-1 Visa is not valid without the DS-2019. You must keep the two together at all times.

A J-1 Visa is permission for you to enter the United States to participate in this exchange program. Visas are issued by U.S. Consular Officers. Your US J-1 visa indicates the dates between which you can enter the country and how often you can enter the country.

US visas are generally only issued by Consular Officers in your home country. You should apply for the visa as soon as you can (at least six weeks prior to your planned departure date). DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. Also, do not make your travel arrangements until you actually have your visa. Unplanned delays in getting your visa are common.

The DS-2019 is not valid without the J-1 Visa and the J-1 Visa is not valid without the DS-2019. You must keep the two together at all times.

 
 The I-94 card is issued at your port of entry into US (usually an airport) and is stapled into your passport.
 
The white card (I-94) stapled into your passport by the US Immigration officer states the length of time you are allowed to stay in the USA. In most cases it will be marked "D/S." This stands for "Duration of Stay." It means that you can stay until the expiration date on you DS-2019 form plus 30 days for travel. During the 30-day travel period, you may be a tourist in the United States, but you may not work. If you leave the United States during the 30 day travel period, you cannot be re-admitted on your J-1 Visa.
 
 
 You may enter the US - up until the expiration date of the J-1 visa.
 You may work in the US - between the dates indicated on the DS-2019 in section 3.
 You may stay in the US -30 days after the end state of the DS-2019 if D/S is indicated on your I-94 card.
 Contact the YMCA International as soon as possible. You will need to obtain a new DS-2019. These are expensive documents and a new DS-2019 will cost you $50.

To replace a DS-2019, send a letter to the YMCA International Exchange Service, Assistant Director, Scott A. Curry, stating that you need a replacement DS-2019. The letter should explain where and when you last had your DS-2019 and why you believe it to be lost. A check or money order for $50.00 (payable to International YMCA) must be included.

You should also include a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the new DS-2019 to be sent back to you. We recommend that you send a pre-paid Express Mail envelope to us for the safe return of your new DS-2019. Express Mail (through the US Postal Service) allows you to track the envelope should it get lost. Express Mail is approximately $14 (in 2003).

 
Many exchange students travel all over the USA, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean and even farther away during their time in the US. However, if you do plan to travel outside the US you MUST:
 1.
First, check that your visa is a 'Multiple Entry' visa, indicated with an M under 'Entries'. Multiple entry allows you to enter the US as many times as you want until the expiration date of the visa. 'S' indicates single entry; you may only enter the US once and if you leave you will not be allowed to re-enter.
 2.
Second, check the expiration date of your visa. You cannot enter the US after this date.
 3.
Third, find out if you need 'Travel Authorization' (the YMCA must sign the lower right corner of your DS-2019). If you don't receive Travel Authorization, you may have significant difficulty re-entering the US and you may even be denied entry to the US. That puts a serious damper on your travel plans!! See below.
If you are traveling to Mexico, Canada or the islands of the Caribbean for 5 days or less, you do not need to have your DS-2019 signed for Travel Authorization. However, if you are traveling to Mexico, Canada or the islands of the Caribbean for more than 5 days, you must have the DS-2019 signed for travel authorization.

Any other travel outside Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean requires Travel Authorization regardless of how long the trip is. If you are returning to your home country for 3 days for a wedding, you must have the form signed. If you are traveling to Brazil for the weekend, you must have the form signed.

To obtain Travel Authorization, send a letter to International YMCA, 2nd Floor, 5 West 63rd Street, New York, NY 10023 indicating when you are traveling and where you are going. Please include contact details such as your address, telephone number and an email should we need to contact you. Send this letter and the original DS-2019 to the above address at least 15 days before your planned departure. Please send a self-addressed envelope for us to return your DS-2019 form. For tracking purpose, we advise that you use FedEx, Express Mail or another agent that provides package-tracking options.

 
Your DS-2019 form cannot be extended beyond the four months issued. You must leave the US no later than 30 days after the end date of your DS-2019. 
 
You can repeat the work/travel program in following years so long as you continue to be a full-time enrolled student in your home country. However, please note that visa laws can change from one year to the next, so check with the YMCA before planning to return another time.  
 
No. The YMCA does not sponsor dependents or J-2 visas.

 
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