This DOS Guidance Directive confirms that a visa that was prudentially revoked because of a DUI arrest or conviction does not necessarily invalidate a J-1 nonimmigrant's immigration status, as long as he or she remains in the United States. However, the Directive goes on to state that sponsors
Nonimmigrants and lawful permanent residents must carry their "evidence of registration" document at all times. Usually, this is Form I-94 for nonimmigrants, or Form I-551 (green card) for lawful permanent residents. They must also report any address changes within 10 days of the address change.
On January 23, 2019 and April 1, 2019, DOS tweaked the 90-day rule language in the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) in a positive direction, by removing a reference that was thought to unfairly flag students.
On August 9, 2018, USCIS made fundamental changes to its policy on how an immigration status violation might lead to a finding that an F, M, or J nonimmigrant should be subject to the 3- or 10-year reentry bar provisions of INA 212(a)(9)(B). A February 6, 2020 nationwide permanent injunction blocked
The final SEVIS fee rule was published in the Federal Register on May 23, 2019, and became effective on June 24, 2019. It raises the I-901 SEVIS fee paid by F-1 and M-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors, raises the initial school certification fee that SEVP charges new F and M schools, and adds a
On August 10, 2018, the Department of State issued Guidance Directive 2018-01 - College and University Student Category: Avoiding Unskilled Placements in Academic Training and Student Internship Programs. The directive communicates the Department's perspective on a number of aspects of the J-1
A Presidential Memorandum on Combating High Nonimmigrant Overstay Rates (April 22, 2019) directs the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and State (DOJ, DHS, DOS) to take the following actions: Within 120 days of the memorandum: DOJ, DHS, and DOS must "provide to the President recommendations
On January 30, 2013, the Department of State (DOS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register that would substantially raise the fees associated with the J-1 exchange visitor program.