What If Your DS-2019 Lists Government Funding but You Believe It Is Wrong?
A disputed DS-2019 funding entry should be addressed with underlying program evidence rather than ignored. The Waiver Review Division's Advisory Opinion process is designed to resolve uncertainty about whether INA §212(e) actually applies.
Do not rely solely on the disputed notation
Collect the underlying grant, payroll, scholarship, sponsor, and program records showing the actual source of financial support.
Ask the sponsor to explain the entry
DOS recommends consulting the responsible program officer to determine whether the exchange program had qualifying government funding.
A sponsor correction may help but does not itself replace official review
If the original form was inaccurate, contemporaneous sponsor documentation explaining the error can be important evidence.
Request an Advisory Opinion when the legal result remains disputed
WRD reviews the program documentation to make an official determination of subject status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a DS-2019 funding entry be questioned?
Yes, when the underlying records support a genuine factual discrepancy.
Should I obtain sponsor records?
Yes.
Who can provide an official DOS determination?
The Waiver Review Division through an Advisory Opinion.
Need Help With a J-1 Waiver?
The Messersmith Law Firm represents J-1 exchange visitors, physicians, researchers, professionals, and families in complex INA §212(e) matters.
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