NIV fees for form DS-2019. DOS provided an advanced copy of a final rule raising the fee for a Border Crossing Card for Mexican citizens age 15 and for waiver of the exchange visitors. The agency also provided an advanced copy of an interim final rule let J-1 finance to sign Form DS-2019 and submit it automatically. Until now, sponsors had to mail paper copies of Form DS-2019 to prospective exchange visitors. With this updated change, sponsors may continue to mail paper copies or take advantage of two new options:

· Sponsors may print and physically sign paper forms in ink, scan and save them (e.g., as portable document format (PDF) files), and electronically transmit them (e.g., via email). The new rule eliminates the requirement that sponsors sign the Form DS-2019 in blue ink.

· Sponsors may use digital signature software to sign Forms DS-2019 and then electronically transmit them.

Once a sponsor issues a Form DS-2019 to a prospective exchange visitor, the exchange visitor and their spouse or children can apply for a J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. If approved for a J-1 and J-2 visa, the exchange visitor and their spouse or children must carry their Form DS-2019 to the U.S. border, where the U.S. Department of Homeland.