Where Do You Mail the J-1 Waiver Form DS-3035?
DOS publishes separate Step 2 addresses for U.S. Postal Service delivery and courier delivery of the printed DS-3035 waiver package. The mailing method determines which address to use, and DOS states that a package sent to the wrong address will be returned without processing.
Use the address that matches the delivery method
The Step 2 mailing instructions distinguish ordinary U.S. Postal Service delivery from courier service. FedEx, UPS, and similar courier deliveries should not be sent to the Postal Service P.O. Box.
Before mailing, confirm the current address on the DOS instructions because government filing addresses can change.
Current U.S. Postal Service address
DOS currently lists the Postal Service address as: Department of State J-1 Waiver, P.O. Box 979037, St. Louis, MO 63197-9000.
This is the Step 2 address for the mailing method identified by DOS as Postal Service.
Current courier address
DOS currently lists the courier address as: Department of State J-1 Waiver, Attn: 979037, 3180 Rider Trail South, Earth City, MO 63045.
Applicants using FedEx, UPS, or another courier should use the current courier instructions rather than the St. Louis P.O. Box.
The Step 2 application and fee must stay together
The Step 2 mailing includes the printed barcode DS-3035, legible copies of every DS-2019 or IAP-66, and the processing fee. DOS states that the application and fee payment must be submitted together.
If the application or fee is sent without the other, DOS states that the item will be returned and the application will not be processed.
The wrong address can cause the package to be returned
DOS expressly warns that an application sent to the incorrect address will not be processed and will be returned. The courier-versus-USPS distinction is therefore a filing requirement rather than simply a delivery preference.
Keep a copy of the complete Step 2 package and the delivery record so that the mailing can be documented if receipt later becomes an issue.
Third-party documents use a different submission process
The Step 2 mailing address is for the applicant's DS-3035 package. Required Step 3 supporting documents from a home government, interested federal agency, USCIS, or designated state health department follow the separate DOS third-party procedure.
Do not assume that every document in the waiver case should be mailed in the applicant's Step 2 envelope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the FedEx or UPS address the same as the USPS address?
No. DOS publishes a separate courier address.
What happens if I use the wrong Step 2 address?
DOS states that an application sent to the incorrect address will be returned without processing.
Can I mail the fee separately?
No. DOS instructs applicants to submit the application and fee together.
Should I verify the address again before sending the package?
Yes. Use the current DOS Step 2 instructions immediately before mailing.
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