What First Entry Date Should an Older J-1 Applicant Put on DS-3035?
DOS currently instructs applicants who first entered the United States on a J visa before February 1, 1999 to use February 1, 1999 in the DS-3035 First Entry Date field.
DOS has a special rule for older J entries
The current DS-3035 instructions recognize that some exchange visitors entered before the modern electronic program systems.
Use February 1, 1999
DOS instructs an applicant who entered on a J visa before February 1, 1999 to enter February 1, 1999 in the First Entry Date field.
Do not substitute another date without reviewing the instruction
The special DOS rule should be followed even though the applicant's actual historical entry occurred earlier.
Retain the historical documents
The DS-2019 or IAP-66 record and other immigration documents should still be preserved because they establish the actual J program history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What date does DOS instruct pre-February 1999 entrants to use?
February 1, 1999.
Does that mean the person actually entered on that date?
No. It is the specific entry DOS instructs the applicant to use in that DS-3035 field.
Should the old J records still be submitted?
Yes.
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