Issuance of the J-1 visa, like all non-immigrant visas, is at the discretion of Consular Officers viewing visa applications at U.S. The information in this form is completed by the sponsor prior to being given to the participant, who once given the DS-2019, can apply at a U.S. Designated sponsors are authorized to issue this form to prospective exchange visitors they have screened and selected for participation in the exchange visitor program (see How To Apply).
