DS-2019 Process
DS-2019 Application Process
To initiate a CLU request for a J-1 Exchange Visitor, you must be a department administrator or faculty member.
This process involves three (3) parties: the Academic Department inviting the exchange visitor, the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), and the Visiting Scholar. A visual representation of the process is shown in the J-1 Visiting Scholars Sponsorship Process and Timeline.
Visiting Scholars' Supporting Documents
View the Checklist to Request a J-1 Visiting Scholar Visa.
Please contact jscholar@CalLutheran.edu for more information.
J-1 Home Residency Requirements
The U.S. Department of State supports Exchange Visitors as part of our diplomacy efforts. To fulfill the people-to-people impact on cultural awareness and understanding, an EV is expected to engage with the Cal Lutheran community and then return to their home country to share about their experience in the USA. The return to one’s home country under the “J-1 Bars”/Home Residency Requirement and exceptions to the bar are dependent upon various factors. The OISS staff is available for consultation on categories and requirements.
The two-year home residency requirement (aka, J-1 Bar) is a condition attached to some Exchange Visitors (EVs) who receive J visa status under the following circumstances:
EVs who become subject to the Two-year Home Residence Requirement are not eligible
to change their
visa status from J-1 to H (temporary worker), L (intra-company transferee), or an
immigrant visa ("green
card"), unless they return and reside in the country of their last permanent residence for
two years after completing their programs in the United States.
EVs who become subject, but do not wish to comply with the residence requirement may apply for a J-1 waiver of 212 (e) from the U.S. Department of State during or after the completion of the program. Information and guidelines are available here. EVs pursuing a waiver are advised to consult with an immigration attorney; OISS does not handle the J-1 waiver.
Special Note: OISS cannot extend a DS-2019 if a J-1 waiver of 212 (e) application is approved by the Department of State or USCIS.
12-Month Research Scholar / Professor Bar
24-Month Research Scholar
Note: If the J-1 Exchange Visitor is subject to a Bar, the J-2 Dependents are also subject.
J-2 Dependents
Only spouses and children (under 21) may come as dependents of the J-1 visa holder.
Health insurance
is mandatory for accompanying dependents. A J-2’s DS-2019 may be issued along with
the J-1’s
application or upon arrival to the USA (if the arrival dates of dependents is unknown).
To request to add your dependents, please contact OISS at jscholar@CalLutheran.edu. As a
reminder, the funding projection per dependent is outlined on the Statement of Finances.
For reference
as of January 2024, the minimum amount of money required for living expenses is $2,000.00
per month
for the principal J-1 Visa holder. If dependents will accompany the visiting scholar,
documentation
showing additional funds of $1,200.00 per month and per dependent for the initial
exchange period will be
required.
If your spouse and/or children will only be visiting you for a short period, they
may wish to apply for a
tourist visa. See the Department of Statefor more information.