If your incoming exchange visitor is unable to arrive by the program start date listed in the UConn offer letter and on the Form DS-2019, the admin user must notify ISSS by submitting the Amend DS-2019 Request before the original intended start date. ISSS must issue a new, updated Form DS-2019 to reflect the correct program dates for the exchange visitor.
Choosing New Dates
Work with your incoming scholar or research student to determine a new program start date before submitting the Amend Program Dates request to ISSS. The program start date does not have to equal the arrival date; the exchange visitor may arrive up to 30 days prior to the start date of their appointment at UConn to settle in.
New Offer Letter
The admin user must upload an amended offer letter with the new program dates to complete the request. Remember to adjust the end date accordingly, if applicable. ISSS will contact the user admin when the new DS-2019 is ready for pick up.
Submit Request in UConn Scholar/Employee Portal
- Go to the UConn Scholar Employee Portal , Click on the UConn NetID Login button and login with NetID and password
- From your Dashboard click on the “Pending Records” tab.
- Click on your scholar’s profile tile or if you have many scholars type their name (just one name first or last – the most unique) in the Search Box and click the magnifying glass to pull up their specific record.
- Click on the “Requests” tab.
- Click on the “Amend DS-2019” button on the left-hand side.
- Answer all questions and upload copy of new offer/invitation letter.
- Click “Create Request”
Electronic Transmission of Form DS-2019
The U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce the publication of an Interim Final Rule in the Federal Register on March 28, 2023, that permits designated sponsors for the Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) to digitally sign and electronically transmit the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant) (Form DS-2019), effective April 27, 2023.
J-1 Exchange Visitors can access electronic versions of their form DS-2019 in the ISSS Scholar/Employee Portal via download in the “Documents” section tab.
Electronic DS-2019 Download/Print/Sign Instructions (for J-1 Exchange Visitor):
Visit the UConn Scholar/Employee Portal. Log in with your email username and Scholar Portal password (NOT your UConn NetID).
Click on the “Documents” tab on the top of the page.
Click on “Other” on the left-hand menu.
You can see copies of and print all the documents issued by ISSS in the Documents tab, Other category. Look for the document titled “DS-2019” (and “DS-7002″ for Student Intern Category)
Be sure to Sign Your Forms and keep a copy of all issued documents for future reference!
Status of Visa Appointment Interview and Issuance
If the scholar has NOT yet had their visa interview, scholar should use this updated document for their upcoming interview. Ensure the SEVIS I-901 Fee has been paid as instructed in the PreArrival Instruction Email from ISSS.
If the scholar has already had their visa appointment and the visa is currently in pending status (not yet granted), please have the scholar call their embassy at which the interview was held to inquire whether or not the embassy would require a copy of the updated DS-2019 document.
An approved visa requires no further follow up. The scholar should keep all DS-2019 forms for their records, however, only present the most recent DS-2019 at port of entry into the U.S.
Note: Student Intern category only will require both Forms DS-2019 and DS-7002 for visa appointment.