May 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the Exchange Visitor Program’s Office of Private Sector Exchange Program Administration (OPA) The J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program has undergone many changes since its creation through the Fulbright-Hays Act in September 1961. At its core, the Exchange Visitor Program seeks to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange. All foreign nationals that participate in the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) inbound exchange programs travel on J-1 exchange visitor visas. Over 90% of the approximately…
What is a Form DS-2019? The Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status (J-Nonimmigrant), is a controlled document used in the administration of the Exchange Visitor Program. Designated sponsors are authorized to complete and issue Forms DS-2019 to prospective exchange visitors and their spouses and dependents, if any, that have been screened and selected for participation in the Exchange Visitor Program. Sponsors generate Forms DS-2019 through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The forms are used by prospective exchange visitors and their spouses or dependents, if any, to seek an interview at an U.S. embassy…
By: Abigail Graszl of InterExchange From researching cell cytotoxicity in a molecular biology lab to having technical discussions with electrical engineers, Career Training USA interns and trainees are completing amazing programs in STEM (that’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics)! InterExchange is a proud partner of the BridgeUSA Early Career STEM Research Initiative, and these programs strengthen international connections and contribute to the flow of ideas across continents. We recently caught up with some of our female participants to see how their time in the U.S. helped further their careers in these traditionally male-dominated fields. Eva K. Molecular Biology Eva K. from Germany…
