Scholars beginning their initial J-1 visit at UC Merced must have their DS-2019 start date match appointment start dates. J-1 exchange visitors are allowed to enter the U.S. up to 30 days prior to their start date. If the appointment start date is delayed, then a new DS-2019 must be issued to match the new appointment. There is a $350 document re-issue fee (payable only by campus recharge) that will apply in the case of a delayed start date. This fee will only be waived if reissue is caused by changes originated by OIA processes or the changes needed were unforeseeable or unpreventable with proper and timely planning, such as a visa delay due to administrative processing.
