Planning to join a high school exchange program in the United States? Then sooner or later, you’ll come across the term “DS-2019 form.” This document is key to your journey — and to staying in the U.S. legally as an exchange student. In this article, we’ll explain what the DS-2019 is, where it comes from, and how it compares to another form you may have heard of — the I-20.
First Things First: What Is the DS-2019?
The DS-2019 form is the official Certificate of Eligibility for a J-1 visa. It allows you to apply for a J-1 exchange visitor visa at the U.S. embassy or consulate. The form contains important details about your exchange program: who is sponsoring your stay, how long it lasts, where you’ll study, and who you’ll live with.
You can’t apply for a J-1 visa without this form — it’s the core document of the exchange program process.
You can’t apply for a J-1 visa without this form — it’s the core document of the exchange program process.
A Brief History: From Fulbright to J-1
The idea of cultural and educational exchange started just after World War II. In 1946, the U.S. launched the Fulbright Program, which offered international educational opportunities to promote mutual understanding between people of different cultures.
Building on that vision, Congress passed the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, also known as the Fulbright–Hays Act. This law created the J-1 visa category for exchange visitors — and along with it, the DS-2019 form (which used to be called the IAP-66).
Since then, the form has become a standard part of every official exchange program, including high school exchanges.
Building on that vision, Congress passed the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, also known as the Fulbright–Hays Act. This law created the J-1 visa category for exchange visitors — and along with it, the DS-2019 form (which used to be called the IAP-66).
Since then, the form has become a standard part of every official exchange program, including high school exchanges.
Who Issues the DS-2019?
It’s important to know that the DS-2019 is not issued by a U.S. school or embassy. It comes from an official program sponsor — a government-authorized organization registered with the U.S. Department of State.
The sponsor is responsible for organizing your exchange, placing you with a host family, ensuring your school enrollment, and supporting you during your stay. The sponsor creates the DS-2019 through the SEVIS system (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
The sponsor is responsible for organizing your exchange, placing you with a host family, ensuring your school enrollment, and supporting you during your stay. The sponsor creates the DS-2019 through the SEVIS system (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
What Makes the DS-2019 Special?
Here are a few important facts about the DS-2019:
- It includes your SEVIS ID number — your official record in the government system.
- It shows the exact dates of your program participation.
- It lists the name of your sponsoring organization — your main point of contact in the U.S.
- It is issued electronically via SEVIS and comes with a barcode and tracking number — no handwritten versions allowed.
DS-2019 vs. I-20 — What’s the Difference?
You might have also heard of the I-20 form, and it’s easy to confuse the two. But they’re very different documents for different types of visas and programs:
- So, if you’re joining a government-approved cultural exchange program, living with a host family, and attending a public high school, you’ll receive a DS-2019 and need a J-1 visa.
- But if you’re enrolling in a private high school, paying full tuition, and staying in dorms or with a paid host, you’ll need an I-20 form and an F-1 visa.
In Summary
The DS-2019 is much more than a form — it’s your ticket to becoming an exchange student in the U.S. It proves your eligibility, supports your visa application, and outlines the details of your experience abroad.
If you or your child is dreaming of studying in an American high school and living with a host family, understanding the DS-2019 is the first step toward making that dream a reality.
