DOS Issues Final Rule On Exchange Visitor Program Provisions

The Department of State (DOS) issued a final rule, effective May 23, 2024, on J-1 exchange visitor program regulations that apply to sponsors that DOS designates to conduct international educational and cultural exchange programs. The final rule includes a requirement for digital signatures when signing Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.

DOS noted that most of the 64 commenters addressed two topics: sponsor preference for electronic signatures rather than digital signatures, and the need for sponsors to electronically transmit Forms DS-2019 directly to third parties acting on their behalf. After consideration, DOS has retained the requirement for digital signatures for signing Forms DS-2019, and it makes no changes to the list of entities to which sponsors may transmit Forms DS-2019 electronically. However, the final rule will allow third parties to retrieve Forms DS-2019 directly from sponsors' password-protected computer network