​The ​U.S. ​Department of State (DOS) has announced a new interim final rule published at 88 FR 18249 (March 28, 2023) that permits Responsible and Alternate Responsible Officers of designated J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) Programs to digitally sign and electronically transmit the Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant), effective April 27, 2023.

Effective May 1, 2023, FSIS will digitally​ ​sign and email the Form DS-2019(s) directly to J-1 EVs for all initial, amendment, extension, and reprint requests. Please ensure that the email address reported to FSIS for all prospective and current EVs’ email addresses is accurate and regularly monitored by the EV.

Upon receiving an electronic Form DS-2019, J-1 EVs (including their J-2 dependents) will need to download, print, and ink sign and date the​ Form​ DS-2019 as the new rule does not allow for digital signatures by the exchange visitors. J-1 EVs and J-2 dependents must keep the printed ​Form ​DS-2019 for their use. Electronic copies of the Form DS-2019 are not acceptable for visa applications, entry into the U.S., etc.

The interim final rule allows FSIS to email Form DS-2019 to EVs, accompanying J-2 spouses and dependents, program sponsor staff, Fulbright commissions and their staff, and Federal, State, and local government agencies or departments. Recipients cannot forward or transmit the Form DS-2019 to foreign third parties or outside agencies/individuals.

We kindly ask for your patience as we are in the process of updating the procedures and information on our FSIS website. Please contact Janet Murasaki (janetyz@hawaii.edu) or Pei-Chin Liao (peichin@hawaii.edu) with any questions.