The government-controlled document the OISS issues to individuals applying for J-1 visas abroad or a change of status or transfer to J-1 student, if they are already in the U.S. The DS-2019 has a unique identification number on it, which connects to the student or scholar's record in the SEVIS database. The DS-2019 serves as a primary record of a student's immigration-related actions, such as extensions and transfers. A student should keep all DS-2019s ever issued to compile a comprehensive history of J-1 status.