Ace the 2025 CBP Border Patrol Agent Exam – Patrol Your Way to Success!

The first step for processing a returning J applicant at a land border involves reviewing the SEVIS Form DS-2019. This form is crucial because it certifies the applicant's eligibility to return to the United States under the J visa program, which is designed for exchange visitors. The information on the DS-2019 must be verified to ensure that the returning applicant has maintained their status and is in compliance with the terms of their visa.

Reviewing this document allows the Customs and Border Protection officer to confirm that the individual is returning to the same program for which they were initially granted the J status and that their program has not expired. This step is fundamental for ensuring that all regulations regarding J visa compliance are met before any further processing occurs, such as stamping the passport or recording their admission into the SEVIS system.

The other steps, while essential in the overall process, come into play after the review of the DS-2019. Affixing an I-94, endorsing the passport, and recording in SEVIS all occur after confirming and validating the information on the DS-2019.