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International Services and Engagement Office ISEO
  1. ISEO
  2. Scholar Services
  3. iServices Instructions for Scholars
  4. J-1/J-2 Travel Signature

J-1/J-2 Travel Signature

An Exchange Visitor's DS-2019 form must be signed for travel by a Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer (RO/ARO) of the Exchange Visitor's program for reentry to the U.S. in valid J status. The signature is located in the lower right hand box of your Form DS-2019. Only ROs or AROs of the program that issued the Form DS-2019 may sign for travel validation; all UCSD ROs/AROs work in ISEO.

Note

You will receive a new DS-2019 with your travel signature. This DS-2019 copy will not have a consular signature - the consular signature is only to indicate if you are subject to 212(e) and will only be received during visa interviews. The signature required to make your DS-2019 valid for travel is an RO or ARO of UC San Diego.

iServices Processing

Log in to iServices

ISEO has sent out an email communication to ALL current scholars with instructions and credentials to log in to the iServices portal. Please contact ischolars@ucsd.edu if you have not received this email. 
  • Logging in to the "Limited Services" Portal requires the following information:

    • Date of Birth

    • iServices ID numberr  (find in email from ISEO)

    • Limited Access Pin number (find in email from ISEO)

  • NOTE:  VPN NOT REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE PORTAL
Troubleshooting:
  • Please be sure to save the log in credentials provided to you
  • If you encounter difficulty accessing iServices, please email ischolars@ucsd.edu.
  • If you have been issued a UCSD email account, please log in through the "Full Client Services" Portal.

Steps to Take Before Requesting a Travel Signature

Have you registered and attended orientation? 

Before we can issue a travel signature, you will need to have your SEVIS record validated by submitting your registration to us. You will also need to attend the J-1 orientation, for which you will receive an email invitation. 

 

Check if you already have a valid travel signature 

Please review your current DS-2019 for a travel signature, located in the Travel Validation section: 

travel-signature.PNG

Travel signatures are valid for up to one year or until the end date of the most recent DS-2019 (whichever date is sooner). 

 

Determine if you will need to request a Leave of Absence

A leave of absence is required if: 

  • You are traveling for business for more than 30 days
  • You are traveling for personal reasons for more than 60 days 

Leaves of Absence can be submitted via iServices. Please also make sure to discuss any extended leave with your department. 

 

Do you have a valid J-1/J-2 visa? 

If your visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa in order to re-enter the US. Please take this into account while planning your travels. For current estimated wait times, please visit the Department of State website. 

 

Other considerations 

  • Is your program ending soon? 
    • We do not recommend traveling within the last month of your program. If you are considering this, please reach out to your advisor 
  • Have you applied for the waiver? 
    • Please reach out to your advisor for guidance. When you reach out, please be prepared with the current status of your waiver application. 
  • Have you filed an I-140, I-130, or other Permanent Residency form? 
    • Please reach out to your advisor, as traveling after beginning the permanent residency process can be risky 

Travel Signature Request

Locate the J-1 Travel Signature Request eform under the Scholar Services page.

  • Indicate who will require a travel signature (J-1 principal, J-2 dependents, or all)
  • Include estimated travel dates so we are aware if your request is urgent
  • Verify that you and all J-2 dependents, if any, are currently covered under appropriate levels of health insurance

 

Standard Processing: Allow 5 days for ISEO processing after submission.

DS-2019 Signatures and Travel

Each DS-2019 signature box has a different purpose — you don't need all of them signed when traveling internationally.

Box 7: Alternate Responsible Officer Signature

Screenshot of Box 7 (Alternate Responsible Officer) signature on the J-1 Exchange Visitor DS-2019

Purpose: This is the primary signature required for your DS-2019 to be valid. This box must be signed by an Alternate Responsible Officer at your program sponsor. For UC San Diego, this means it must be signed by a Scholar Advisor at ISEO. This box must be signed in order for your DS-2019 to be used for visa appointments, travel, or I-9 processing with your department.

Preliminary Endorsement of Consular or Immigration Officer Regarding Section 212(e)

Screenshot of the Preliminary Endorsement of Consular or Immigration Officer box on the DS-2019

Purpose: This signature is only received at visa appointments, when the consular officer signs to indicate if you are subject to the 212(e) Two-Year Home Residence Requirement. At your appointment, the consular official will mark whether or not you are subject. This signature is not required for your DS-2019 to be valid or for travel. Many DS-2019s will not have this signature, and that is okay — as long as the 212(e) designation matches your visa.

Travel Validation by Responsible Officer

Screenshot of the Travel Validation by Responsible Officer signature box on the DS-2019

Purpose: Often called a “travel signature,” this must come from an Alternate Responsible Officer at your J-1 program sponsor. When signing, the ARO confirms that you have maintained good standing in your J-1 program by meeting program objectives, arriving on campus as planned, and maintaining required health insurance. This signature is required if you travel internationally, as you will need it when re-entering the U.S.

Exchange Visitor Certification

Screenshot of Exchange Visitor Certification signature box on the DS-2019

Purpose: This is where your signature goes. When you receive a DS-2019, you must print it and sign this box in ink. By signing, you confirm that you have read Page 2 of the DS-2019 and understand the Exchange Visitor (J Non-Immigrant) Certification.

What signatures do I need when I travel?

When re-entering the U.S. after international travel, you will need:

  • Box 7 (Alternate Responsible Officer signature)
  • Travel Validation by Responsible Officer (travel signature)
  • Exchange Visitor Certification (your signature)

But don’t I need the Consular signature?

The only purpose of the consular signature is to indicate whether you are subject to 212(e). It does not validate your DS-2019. Some scholars — such as those who change status within the U.S. and never apply for a visa — will never receive one. Since this signature is only issued at visa appointments, it is normal to have DS-2019s without it. Not having a consular signature does not affect the validity of your J-1 program or your ability to enter the U.S.