Michigan State University's (MSU) Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) issues Form DS-2019 or "Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status" to allow individuals to apply for a J-1 visa stamp at a U.S. Embassy or consulate abroad.
In the event an Exchange Visitor (EV) is not sufficiently funded by the MSU host department, OISS must then obtain reliable documentation that the Scholar has financial resources that will adequately meet the local living expenses and health insurance cost while pursuing a J-1 Program at MSU.
MSU is required by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to receive, review, and evaluate the availability of financial support before issuing immigration documents.
Scholars must have accurate and up-to-date financial information printed on their immigration documents at all times. In most cases, the documentation we require will also be required at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate when applying for a visa stamp.
Scholars must keep a copy of their financial support documents to present during their visa appointment.
To obtain the DS-2019 in a timely manner, follow the guidelines below when submitting the request. If an Amendment Request is needed, make sure to update the financial proof if needed.
Bank statements or bank letters
Please review Criteria for Bank Statements and Bank Letters* tab
Bank statement/letter detailing the sponsor’s name and account balance
Please review Criteria for Bank Statements and Bank Letters* tab
If the account holder is not the prospective scholar or dependent included in the application a signed Affidavit of Support must be provided
Must detail Scholars’ name
Must be on letterhead
Must be dated within the last 6 months
Must detail the covered amount of the sponsorship and/or confirmation that the scholar’s salary will continue to be paid during the J-1 program
Must detail the number of months/years covered by the sponsorship
Must include a signature representative or an official stamp
Any document not in English must include the original document along with the English translation and the certification below.
Translations can be made by anyone who is competent in both English and the language in which the document is written. The prospective scholar or a family member of the prospective scholar cannot make the translation.
I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and ______________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________.
Signature
Date
Typed name
Address
Must be on bank letterhead
Must include the financial institution’s name
Must include the account’s holder name
Must include a date (issuance date for bank letters or last bank statement date)
Documents cannot be more than 6 months old
Must detail the currency type
Must include current balance
The balance must be in cash, i.e. liquid, available funds->no investments or lines of credit.
For letters: must state the minimum amount needed for the J-1 program
Must be in English or provided in its original form with a third-party translation that includes a “Certificate of Translator”
Submitting bank statements/letters from multiple accounts is acceptable
1. Funds that ARE NOT immediately accessible or that can change in value, such as:
Salary Statements that are missing the language specified under “Government/Employer/Non-Governmental Organization (NGO)” above
Paystubs
Life insurance policies
Loan applications
Retirement funds
Credit card statements or lines of credit
Trusts
Stocks or cryptocurrency
Assets that are not in liquidated form (house, car, etc.)
2. Documents dated older than 6 months at time of DS-2019 request
3. Screenshots of bank accounts
4. ATM Receipts
5. Passbook savings copies
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