What is a DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility)?

The DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility) is a legal document issued by E2C, a designated sponsor of the J-1 Visa program under the authority of the U.S. Department of State.

This document grants a foreign national the ability to apply for a J-1 Visa, which is required to accept a temporary, paid teaching position in the United States through the Exchange Visitor Program.

A J-1 Visa application can only be submitted after the Certificate of Eligibility has been issued, and the application must be processed through a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas, preferably in the applicant’s home country.