Middlebury-Sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitor Status for Summer

The DS-2019 Application Process

To obtain J-1 status to work for Middlebury in the summer, you need to complete a DS-2019 Application.  

DS-2019 Application materials:

You will need to make sure you have the following documents available before you fill out the Application, as it does not allow you to save your progress.

• Copy of the biographical information from your passport
  • You will need this for the passport of any dependent (spouse or child) who will be coming with you in J-2 status as well, if applicable.
• Proof of English Language Proficiency (ELP)
  • Applicants may verify their ELP through one of the following objective forms of measurement:
    • a recognized English language test,
    • signed documentation from an academic institution or English language school confirming ELP,
    • or a documented interview arranged by Middlebury College via telephone or videoconferencing.
  • ELP documentation must accompany this DS-2019 application form, unless you require an interview or you have been issued a DS-2019 by Middlebury College since 2015.  For those two situations, you will select the relevant option on the DS-2019 Application form indicating you either need an interview or you’ve been issued a DS-2019 by Middlebury since 2015.
  • For more information about the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements, see here.

NOTE: If you are in U.S. in J-1 status and intend to transfer your J-1 SEVIS DS-2019 record to Middlebury, please refer to the section for J-1 Transfers and follow the instructions, if you have not already done so.

DS-2019 Issuance Process Timeline

ISSS strives to issue new initial DS-2019s within 2 business weeks of receiving the complete DS-2019 application and all required supporting documents, including evidence showing you meet/exceed the ELP requirement. (For those who require an interview to confirm your ELP, your DS-2019 application is not considered complete until the ELP confirmation is received by ISSS.) 

It is important to submit all requested documentation as soon as you can and respond promptly to all ISSS emails to avoid delays.  It can take 2-4 months to obtain the J visas from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  When we issue the DS-2019 and send it to you electronically, we provide details on how to apply for the J visa.

NOTE: For those who will transfer their J-1 SEVIS record to Middlebury College, Middlebury will be able to access the SEVIS J record on or after the date of release that your current sponsor inputs into SEVIS.  We will issue the DS-2019 within 1 business week from the date of SEVIS release or from the date you submitted all required information to ISSS, whichever is later.

Questions?

If you have questions after reading this webpage, email isss@middlebury.edu. In the email subject line, please indicate the school or program, if you will be faculty or staff, and the type of question, so the email will be directed to the appropriate ISSS staff person. For example, if you will teach for the Chinese Language School, indicate in the email subject line: “Chinese Language School Faculty: J-1/DS-2019 question.”

Additional requirements for the J-1 status

Health Insurance

J-1 status holders must have health insurance that meets U.S. regulatory requirements. Individuals in J-1 status who are issued DS-2019s by Middlebury College are required to have the required health insurance coverage during their DS-2019 program dates in the U.S. This applies to J-1 status holders and their J-2 dependents. The insurance plan must meet federal requirements per the J visa regulations.

All summer Language School faculty/staff sponsored by Middlebury in J-1 status and any J-2 dependents are automatically provided health insurance through Middlebury that meets and/or exceeds the federal J Exchange Visitor regulatory requirements.  NOTE: the cost of the plan for the J-1 is paid for by Middlebury, but the plan costs for any J-2 dependents will be deducted from the salary of the J-1.

For more information regarding the J Exchange Visitor Health Insurance requirement, you can click here.

SEVIS I-901 Fee

Middlebury College pays the SEVIS I-901 fee, if needed, for all J Exchange Visitors for whom we issue DS-2019s.  If your J-1 SEVIS record is transferred to Middlebury for the summer, the fee does not need to be paid again.

For more information on the SEVIS I-901 Fee, please click here.

Updated 2/7/2025