Embedded Files
Questions?
Questions?
More information on J-1 visas can be found on the Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) website.
Email OVIS at: ovis@dartmouth.edu or call +1-603-646-3474.
This process takes time! ⏳
This process takes time! ⏳
Submit your DS-2019 info soon after receiving the instructions from OVIS.
Submit your DS-2019 info soon after receiving the instructions from OVIS.
J-1 Visa
J-1 Visa
A J-1 visa is non-immigrant visa for exchange visitors participating in an approved academic program. Exchange participants who will be attending Dartmouth from an international university and who are not US citizens will need to apply for a J-1 visa.
Before being able to apply for a J-1 visa, eligible exchange students will first need to apply through Dartmouth's Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) for a DS-2019 certificate. This certificate confirms that the student is accepted to a qualified exchange program.
Eligible students will receive instructions on how to begin this process from OVIS about three months before the start of their program. Please see the Dates & Deadlines page for more information on when to expect the instructions. These instructions include steps on:
How to claim your Dartmouth account
How to submit information in your Dartmouth account so OVIS can begin processing your DS-2019 certificate.
One of the forms OVIS will need is your Decision Letter that demonstrates you have been accepted to our exchange program. This letter is accessible for download in your Applicant Portal under the "Program Info" tab.
Processing your DS-2019 normally takes about three weeks. OVIS will email you the DS-2019 when it is ready along with detailed instructions on how to apply for a J-1 visa. Then, you will be all set to apply for a visa at your local consulate/embassy.
What is a DS-2019?
What is a DS-2019?
The DS-2019 is a "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-NonImmigrant)".
Simply put, a DS-2019 is an official form issued by the US Department of State that indicates you have been officially accepted to an exchange program. You need a DS-2019 in order to apply for a J-1 visa.
The Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS) will ask that you submit some necessary information to them so that they can apply for the DS-2019 on your behalf. Your OVIS advisor will email you the DS-2019 once it has been processed. Then, you can use the DS-2019 to apply for a J-1 visa.
What if I have an F-1 visa?
What if I have an F-1 visa?
Exchange participants who will be attending Dartmouth from a domestic (US-based) university and who are not US citizens probably have an F-1 visa. If you already have an F-1 visa, you will simply stay on your F-1 visa. You do not need to apply for another type of visa. Your home school will remain as the sponsor of your visa, and your home school's visa office will remain as your main contact for all things visa-related.
Please contact your home school's visa office if you have any questions.
Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS)
Office of Visa and Immigration Services (OVIS)
OVIS is Dartmouth’s resource for immigration-related needs.
Students will work with OVIS to apply for their DS-2019 which they will use to apply for a J-1 visa. Exchange students coming to Dartmouth on a J-1 visa will communicate with their OVIS advisor in advance of their arrival, and will meet with them after their arrival and throughout their time at Dartmouth, as needed.
OVIS can be contacted reached Monday-Friday from 9 AM - 4 PM (EST). You can contact OVIS at ovis@dartmouth.edu, +1 603-646-3472, or in-person according to their advising hours.
For more information or to schedule an advising appointment, see their website.
Page updated
Report abuse