• ISSS Link is the online system used by Emory departments to submit immigration requests to ISSS to host or hire J-1, H-1B, E-3, and TN Scholars. International students and scholars can log in to access their information and fill out forms.
• Submitting Scholar Requests: 
  • To gain access to ISSS Link and begin submitting department requests, administrators need to first complete the Bringing the World to Emory training and submit the Departmental Access Authorization Form to ISSS.
  • Access is approved by ISSS and the administrator's dean, director, or another specified approver. 
  • After attending the Bringing the World to Emory training and submitting the Departmental Access Authorization Form, the administrator will receive access to ISSS Link and can log in using their Emory NetID and password.

The hosting department must meet specific responsibilities depending on a scholar’s immigration status.

• Students and scholars can bring their spouse and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 with them to the United States as dependents. 
• Family members need to apply for dependent visas before they come to the US. 
• If they will arrive with the student/scholar initially, the student/scholar should request the dependents' immigration documents at the same time the student/scholar submits their request to ISSS. 
• Students/scholars can also request immigration documents for their dependents at any point during your stay. To fill out a dependent request form, log in to ISSS Link. 

It is recommended that students and scholars who plan to drive in the US obtain a Georgia driver’s license. 

A DS-2019 is the Certificate of Eligibility for those in J status. It is an important document that J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents will use to apply for their visa, enter the U.S., and remain in status.

Students: Understanding the DS-2019 
J-1 Scholars: Understanding the DS-2019

The process to request a DS-2019 depends on whether or not the student will be degree-seeking or an exchange student. 

J-1 Exchange Students: Once an exchange student formally accepts admission to the exchange program (by paying a deposit or other method indicated by the program), ISSS will email the student instructions for requesting a DS-2019 through ISSS Link, our international student and scholar portal. 

J-1 Degree-Seeking Students (including Fulbright transfers): 

• Degree Seeking students who have not yet begun their Emory program will receive an email from ISSS with instructions for requesting a DS-2019 through ISSS Link.
• Current Emory students that are transferring their sponsorship from another organization, such as Fulbright, to Emory will need to contact our office directly at newfjstudent@emory.edu.