What is a DS-2019? And how to get a copy?

[lanc3r30000 2]

My spouse had a J-1 to visit the US over 10 years ago. I have the I-94, but now they are saying I also need the DS-2019? I don't think we have this. She has the DS-160 only.

[OldUser 8,122]

Everybody who participated in J-1 program should have had DS-2019.

Reach out to program organizers, they may have records.

 

Does she have old passport with J-1 visa in it? One reason USCIS needs DS-2019 is to determine whether she was a subject to rule 212 (e)

Edited February 26 by OldUser

[lanc3r30000 2]

15 minutes ago, OldUser said:

Everybody who participated in J-1 program should have had DS-2019.

Reach out to program organizers, they may have records.

 

Does she have old passport with J-1 visa in it? One reason USCIS needs DS-2019 is to determine whether she was a subject to rule 212 (e)

 

Ok will have to ask my spouse. She does have the old J1 visa.

[lanc3r30000 2]

Yeah I don't know. Her J1 was from 2014. The program organizer said they can't find her DS-2019. 

 

Why does USCIS even need this info? She has her J1 and her I-94 already....

[OldUser 8,122]

50 minutes ago, lanc3r30000 said:

Yeah I don't know. Her J1 was from 2014. The program organizer said they can't find her DS-2019. 

 

Why does USCIS even need this info? She has her J1 and her I-94 already....

They need to know her immigration history and establish the fact she met the terms of her visa.

 

I did J-1 around same time as your wife. "It was in 2014" may not going to satisfy them. I did J-1 year or two around 2014. I still have my DS-2019. Even as LPR.

[S2N 24]

If it was a public institution try a state level FOIA request. That’ll get the public information officer involved and lead to a more thorough search (hopefully.) Might take longer, but if you’ve already reached out worth a shot.

[lanc3r30000 2]

9 hours ago, S2N said:

If it was a public institution try a state level FOIA request. That’ll get the public information officer involved and lead to a more thorough search (hopefully.) Might take longer, but if you’ve already reached out worth a shot.

 

Well I'm not 100% sure who would have a copy of the DS-2019. She used an agency in Thailand that does all these visas. Would that agency be the one to have the copy.... or does the sponsor from the US have it?

 

We reached out to the Thai agency.

Edited February 27 by lanc3r30000

[OldUser 8,122]

24 minutes ago, lanc3r30000 said:

 

Well I'm not 100% sure who would have a copy of the DS-2019. She used an agency in Thailand that does all these visas. Would that agency be the one to have the copy.... or does the sponsor from the US have it?

 

We reached out to the Thai agency.

The sponsor may have a record

[lanc3r30000 2]

21 minutes ago, OldUser said:

The sponsor may have a record

 

Just contacted them. Their business closed down a few years ago, but I hope the email is still active.

[milimelo 4,583]

2 hours ago, lanc3r30000 said:

 

Well I'm not 100% sure who would have a copy of the DS-2019. She used an agency in Thailand that does all these visas. Would that agency be the one to have the copy.... or does the sponsor from the US have it?

 

We reached out to the Thai agency.

She definitely would've had a copy of DS-2019. You need it for various proofs, including if you want to leave and re-enter the US - has to be endorsed. Your typical letter size paper. 

[OldUser 8,122]

2 hours ago, lanc3r30000 said:

 

Just contacted them. Their business closed down a few years ago, but I hope the email is still active.

That's sad. I hope they weren't involved in any shady stuff? 

[lanc3r30000 2]

18 minutes ago, OldUser said:

That's sad. I hope they weren't involved in any shady stuff? 

 

Actually found the sponsor on Facebook. Looks like she runs a new business now and still uses that same email.

 

Hoping she is cooperative and responds soon. I suppose I can just call too.

Edited February 27 by lanc3r30000

[S2N 24]

7 hours ago, lanc3r30000 said:

 

Well I'm not 100% sure who would have a copy of the DS-2019. She used an agency in Thailand that does all these visas. Would that agency be the one to have the copy.... or does the sponsor from the US have it?

 

We reached out to the Thai agency.

I would reach out to the U.S. sponsor and see if they have it. If it’s a government sponsor and they say they can’t find it FOIA them to get the people who are skilled at finding records involved.

[lanc3r30000 2]

Alright I'm at a loss. The program I called said they destroy the records after 3 years. All they can provide me is the SEVIS information which I am waiting for them to send over.

 

What can I do with the SEVIS info?

 

Am I going to have to do that FOIA thing?

[OldUser 8,122]

1 hour ago, lanc3r30000 said:

 

 

Am I going to have to do that FOIA thing?

I would