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