International Programs

Office of International Students & Scholars

Processing Timeline

Guidelines for Issuance of Form DS-2019 to Bring a New J-1 Scholar to Campus

The timetable provided below is for the purpose of informing departments about approximate processing times to bring new J-1 scholars to WSU. It is based on our current staffing and workload, and the visa application time and availability. We hope this will help make your planning timely, realistic and efficient. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) Office at 509-335-4508.

Contact OISS at least 60 Days Prior to Arrival

We recommend that departments contact our office at least 60 days before the date the J-1 scholar is expected on campus.

Avoid Delays

To avoid delays, it is very important that the information OISS receives from the departments for issuance of DS-2019 is complete and accurate.

Timetable

Topic Action by Department Action by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) Approximate Processing Time
Initial Step Department completes the OISS DS-2019 Request Form posted online

Provides:

  • An iimigrant classification comparision chart to assist departments in the decision process.
  • Information for departments hosting J-1 Scholars
  • The online DS 2019 Request Form
  • Personal answers to questions and consultations
 
Issuance of Form DS-2019

Department completes the DS2019 Request Form and submits it to OISS, along with all of the required documentation

Form DS-2019 will be issued as long as information on the Request Form is complete and accurate and all of the required documenation is provided. 5-7 working days
DS-2019 and Welcome Packet Department picks up DS-2019 and Welcome Packet at Bryan Hall Room 108 after being notified that the document is ready. Notifies the department to pick up:
  • Original Form DS-2019
  • Welcome brochure and welcome letter to the scholar from International Programs
  • Department checklist for orientation
  • Health insurance information
2 working days
DS-2019 and Welcome Packet Department mails the DS2019 and materials to scholar N/A 3 days or more depending on location

 

Visa Stamp Application

After recieving the DS2019 Packet from the department the scholar will need to take this document to an embassy or consulate to apply for a visa stamp to enter the country (Canandians do not need a visa stamp). The time it will take for a scholar to get an appointment with a consulate and be issued the visa varies from country to country. Fortunately J-1 Scholar visa applicants are generally given priority over other visa classifications in appointment times. Occasionally visa applicants will be subjected to a security check when applying and this may delay the process. Feel free to contact our office with any questions in this regard. To check out how long it is typically taking foriegn nationals to get an appointment at a paticular embassy or consulate, you can visit the Department of State web site and select the city where your scholar will be applying from the drop down list. Department of State Visa Wait Times

Page Updated: April 1, 2008

Prospective Students
Office of International Students and Scholars, PO Box 645110, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-5110, 509-335-4508, Contact Us