Form DS-2019: Certificate of Eligibility for J-1 Exchange Visitor Program status, issued by KSU as a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor.
SEVIS: Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, the federal database used to monitor international student records.
Designated School Official (DSO): KSU official authorized to issue I-20s and update SEVIS records.
Responsible Officer (RO): KSU official authorized to issue DS-2019s and manage J-1 program compliance.
PROCESS:
1. Admission
Submit online application with $50 non-refundable fee.
Provide proof of secondary or postsecondary graduation and official transcripts.
Submit English proficiency scores (TOEFL 70 iBT, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo 100, or PTE 55).
Undergraduate admission requires a 2.0 GPA (U.S. converted scale).
Graduate admission requires transcript evaluation and GPA per program standards.
Credential evaluation through WES or other NACES-approved evaluators recommended.
2. Visa Documentation
Upon admission, KSU issues Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1).
Students must pay a $500 tuition deposit to secure enrollment (refundable only if visa denied).
Students must provide evidence of financial support for one academic year (scholarship, bank statement, sponsor letter, or assistantship).
3. Pre-Arrival
Students must schedule a visa interview with a U.S. Embassy/Consulate.
Required documents: admission letter, Form I-20 or DS-2019, SEVIS fee receipt, and proof of funding.
KSU provides guidance through the Office of Global Strategies and International Affairs (OGSIA).
4. Arrival and Orientation
Students must report to OGSIA upon arrival and attend mandatory international orientation.
KSU reports enrollment and status updates to SEVIS each semester.
Students must maintain enrollment, update personal information, and comply with all F-1/J-1 regulations.
5. Maintaining Status
Students must check in with OGSIA each semester.
Changes in major, address, or enrollment must be reported within 10 days.
Failure to comply with SEVIS requirements may result in termination of status and loss of eligibility for future benefits.
REFERENCES AND RELATED MATERIALS:
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVIS Overview – https://www.ice.gov/sevis/overview