New Changes to the Exchange Visitor Skills List Bring More Opportunities!

Great News to the following countries!

– Asia: Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates

– Europe: Albania, Armenia, Georgia, Montenegro, Romania

– Americas: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay

– Africa: Algeria, Eswatini (Swaziland), Gabon, Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa

On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of State implemented a significant update to the Exchange Visitor Skills List, impacting J-1 visa applicants from various countries. This revision affects the two-year home-country physical presence requirement under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Key Changes:

Removal from the Skills List: This means that ] J-1 visa holders are no longer automatically subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement based solely on their skills.

Implications for J-1 Visa Applicants:

Flexibility in U.S. Stay: Exchange visitors may now have increased flexibility to extend their stay in the U.S. or pursue further opportunities without the obligation to return to your country for two years.
Other Grounds for 212(e) Applicability: It's important to note that the two-year requirement may still apply if:
- Your exchange program was funded by the U.S. or your government.
- You participated in graduate medical education or training.

Next Steps for Applicants:

Review Your Documentation: Examine your Form DS-2019 and J-1 visa stamp to determine if the two-year rule applies to your specific situation.
Seek Professional Guidance: Consult with your program sponsor or an immigration attorney to understand how these changes may affect your plans.

Additional Resources:

Teach-USA: For assistance in navigating the J-1 visa process and exploring teaching opportunities in the U.S., consider reaching out to Teach-USA, an agency specializing in helping teachers achieve their goals in the United States.

Conclusion:

This update to the Exchange Visitor Skills List opens new avenues for J-1 visa applicants, offering greater flexibility and opportunities in the United States. Staying informed and seeking appropriate guidance will be crucial in making the most of these changes.

For more detailed information, please refer to the official Federal Register Notice.

Read the US Department of State document here.