How to Complete the J-1 Waiver Form DS-3035
A correct DS-3035 should present a complete and internally consistent J program history and identify the single waiver basis being requested. DOS also publishes special instructions for older IAP-66 programs, J-2 dependents, and fields that are no longer required.
Choose the waiver basis before completing the form
DOS permits an applicant to request a waiver recommendation under one basis at a time. The selected basis affects the third-party supporting documents that must later reach the Waiver Review Division.
Before completing the form, confirm both why §212(e) applies and why the selected waiver category is legally available. Filing under the wrong basis can create delay and may require a new application.
Enter the complete J program history
The form should account for the exchange visitor's J history rather than only the most recent DS-2019. DOS requires legible copies of every DS-2019 or older IAP-66 issued to the applicant as part of the Step 2 package.
Dates, program numbers, sponsors, funding information, and prior exchange participation should be reviewed for consistency before the barcode application is mailed.
Follow the DOS instructions for older IAP-66 programs
For older exchange programs documented on Form IAP-66, DOS publishes special data-entry instructions. Those instructions include using the designated placeholder SEVIS number and the older subject-field coding method when the online form requires information that did not exist in the same format on the historical document.
Applicants with older programs should not invent modern SEVIS information that was never assigned.
Identify J-2 dependents accurately
DOS instructs applicants to identify spouses and children who held J-2 status as requested by the online application. This matters because a dependent J-2 generally follows the principal J-1 for purposes of the two-year requirement and is normally included in the principal waiver.
Names, dates of birth, and other dependent information should match the underlying immigration records.
Follow current instructions for special fields
DOS has published special instructions for fields such as the first J entry date, Alien Registration Number, and I-94 number. Older exchange histories may require the specific date convention DOS identifies for pre-1999 entries.
Use the current online instructions rather than copying answers from an old DS-3035 because the data fields and agency directions can change.
Review the barcode application before Step 2
After the online form generates the case number and barcode, review the printed application for accuracy before mailing it. The case number should appear consistently on later submissions and correspondence.
Step 2 should then be assembled with the required DS-2019 or IAP-66 copies and fee. Third-party supporting documents follow the separate procedure for the selected waiver basis.
DS-3035 Completion Checks
- Use the current DS-3035 through the DOS J Visa Waiver Online system. DOS states that another form version will be returned without processing.
- For a program approved on Form IAP-66, enter SEVIS number N0000000000, using ten zeros.
- For the subject field of an IAP-66 program, enter 00. followed by the four-digit subject field code shown on the IAP-66.
- If the first J entry occurred before February 1, 1999, DOS instructs the applicant to use February 1, 1999 in the First Entry Date field.
- List the spouse and children who held J-2 status as requested in the online application.
- Skip the Alien Registration Number field. DOS states that the number is no longer required for waiver processing.
- Skip the I-94 Number field. DOS states that I-94 numbers are no longer required for waiver processing.
- After completing the online form, print the generated DS-3035 barcode in black and white rather than color.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I list all of my J programs?
Yes. The waiver record should account for the complete relevant J program history.
Do I list my J-2 spouse and children?
Yes. DOS instructs applicants to provide the requested J-2 dependent information.
Should I copy an old DS-3035 I filed years ago?
Use the current DOS online form and current instructions rather than relying on an older form.
What happens after the online form is completed?
The system generates the case number and barcode application, after which the applicant follows the Step 2 mailing instructions.
Need Help With a J-1 Waiver?
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