Program Documentation

There are a number of important program documents which you will likely need during your stay in the US. Please familiarize yourself with each of the following documents, and be sure to keep them in a safe location.

DS-2019 Form: this document serves as your training permit. It indicates that you have the sponsorship and support of CIEE, and should be taken to the US Embassy in your home country when you apply for your J-1 visa. The document contains the dates of your training program, as well as your sponsorship identification number. If you intend to travel outside the US, CIEE will need to fill out the travel validation box on your DS-2019 form, and issue you a Letter of Good Standing. Please make sure that you have signed and dated the bottom of this document.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa: this document is issued by the US embassy in your home country. It is required for entry into the US. Additionally, your J-1 visa will specify the number of times you are allowed to enter, or reenter the US.

I-94 Arrival Card: you will receive this document during your flight to the US. Your I-94 Arrival Card is required when applying for your Social Security number, and you will have to present it if you plan on leaving and reentering the country during your training program.

Trainee Handbook: this text should serve as your main resource during your training program. It provides in-depth coverage of all of the issues presented in the online orientation, as well as many more. Please be sure to read through this document thoroughly, and refer back to it often.

Health and Safety Pocket Guide: a helpful pocket guide containing important information on your travel insurance policy, as well as useful health and safety tips. In case of emergency, please keep your Heath and Safety Pocket Guide with you at all times since it contains very important information about your insurance policy and what to do in the event that an urgent safety situation arises.

Letter to Social Security Officer: this letter explains your J-1 exchange visa status to the Social Security officer who will be processing your Social Security application. Generally, Social Security officers are familiar with J-1 Trainees, but this letter explains your status if they are not.

Remember that your passport, J-1 Visa, I-94 arrival card, DS-2019 form, and your Health and Safety Pocket Guide are all critical documents. Keep them in a safe place, photocopy them, and do not to lose them! In the event that you lose any of these documents, contact CIEE immediately at 1-888-268-6245 for advice on replacing them.