J-1 Students

Benefits Request a Form DS2019 Resources

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International students may study at accredited, degree‑granting postsecondary institutions in the United States or participate in a structured student internship program that fulfills the academic objectives of their degree program in their home country.

To participate, college or university students must meet the following requirement:

  • Be financed, directly or indirectly, by the host institution, the U.S. government, the government of their home country, or an international organization of which the United States is a member by treaty or statute or receive substantial funding from a source other than personal or family funds.
  • Be conducted under an agreement between the U.S. government and a foreign government, or under a written agreement between an American and a foreign educational institution, an American educational institution and a foreign government, or a U.S. state or local government and a foreign government; or participate in a student internship program that fulfills the educational objectives of the student’s degree program in their home country.
  • Students pursuing a non‑degree program must be enrolled full time in a prescribed course of study. The maximum duration of the program is 24 months, inclusive of any academic training.

Benefits

School Credit

University or college students may participate in degree‑granting programs until completion or in non‑degree programs for no more than 24 months.

Employment

Students may engage in part‑time employment under certain conditions. For questions regarding employment of a J-1 student, email isss@louisville.edu.

Academic training

A student may participate in Academic Training upon completion of studies with approval from the Responsible Officer (RO) or an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO). Academic Training is limited to half the length of a student’s academic program. Use the  Academic Training Request Form to apply for Academic Training. 

Procedures to Request a Form DS-2019

1

Be nominated

The student must be nominated by their home institution. The home university contact should email the Coordinator of Exchange at intlexchange@louisville.edu.

Priority nomination deadlines:

April 15 for Fall Semester

October 15 for Spring Semester

2

Submit additional materials

UofL’s Coordinator of Exchange will contact the student to request the following additional materials:

  • Biographical Information Sheet
  • Official university transcripts (in English)
  • English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo), if English is not the primary language of instruction at the home institution
  • Copy of the identification page of the student’s passport
  • Proof of financial support
    • Required amount: $8,640 per semester / $17,280 per year
    • Acceptable documentation includes a recent bank statement
    • If financial support will be provided by family members or other sponsors, an Affidavit of Support must also be submitted

3

Gain admittance to UofL

Once all required documents have been received and reviewed, the student will be admitted to the University of Louisville.


 

4

Apply for on-campus housing

Once admitted, students are strongly encouraged to apply for on‑campus housing as early as possible. Availability may be limited.


 

5

Obtain the Form DS-2019

Upon admission, the Coordinator of Exchange will generate the Form DS-2019 for the student.


 

6

After receiving the Form DS-2019

Upon Receiving the Form DS‑2019, the Student Must:

  • Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee and print the receipt to bring to the visa interview.
  • Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • Visit UofL’s website to create a password for access to university systems, including ULink, Blackboard, university email, and Wi‑Fi.


 

7

Register for courses

The student will work with the Coordinator of Exchange to register for courses.

 

Resources