J1 visa countries. Dec 10, 2024 · For the first time since 2009, the U.

J1 visa countries Jun 17, 2023 · The Department published a revised Exchange Visitor Skills List effective December 9, 2024, (“2024 Skills List”) in the Federal Register. This will affect many current J visa holders as well as those who may have held J status in the past. Dec 9, 2024 · The updates are significant, decreasing the number of countries on the list from 81 to 45. Dec 12, 2024 · In other words, J-1 visa holders from countries on the list are usually required to return to their nation of origin, or last residence, for two years after completing their J-1 program, unless a waiver is available to them. Department of State announced an update to the exchange visitor, J-1 visa program. Who is eligible for a J-1 Visa? A J-1 Nov 19, 2021 · Top Sending Countries 2022 Program: Program Country Participants Total wdt_ID Alien Physician Afghanistan 2 1 Au Pair Afghanistan 0 2 Camp Counselor Afghanistan 0 3 Government Visitor Afghanistan 0 4 Intern Afghanistan 2 5 International Visitor Afghanistan 1 6 Professor Afghanistan 7 7 Research Scholar Afghanistan 54 8 Short-Term Scholar Jul 18, 2025 · J-1 visa holders need to be aware of the travel rules for their visa type. Dec 30, 2024 · The state would use the federal BridgeUSA J-1 visa program to hire teachers from other countries to fill bilingual and other positions Jun 24, 2025 · Many overseas doctors who were due to start residencies in July can't get to their programs because of a holdup with J-1 visa appointments. It requires you to return home for at least two years after your exchange visitor program. Dec 27, 2024 · New DOS changes to the J-1 Visa Skills List take effect December 9, 2024, removing many countries from the two-year home residency requirement. (EDT). Dec 16, 2024 · On December 9, 2024, through publication in the Federal Register, the U. Dec 10, 2024 · December 10, 2024 Important Updates to the J-1 Skills List The U. Dec 11, 2024 · The residency requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa have changed for 34 countries who are no longer subject to 2 year residency. on or after June 9, 2025, AND do not have a valid visa on June 9 Dec 9, 2024 · On December 9, 2024, the U. Feb 17, 2025 · The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows individuals to participate in cultural exchange programs, including research, teaching, training, and other professional development activities, in the United States. Mar 27, 2025 · The J-1 visa is for individuals participating in work-study exchange programs, ranging from students and scholars to trainees and au pairs. at all, exacerbating the doctor shortage. Previously, J-1 visa holders from countries on this list had to return home for at least two years after their U. All applicants must meet eligibility criteria, English language requirements The U. The Federal Register Notice published on December 9 is particularly significant because the 35 countries were removed in total, reducing the number of J-1 visa holders subject to the 2-year residency requirement India, Brazil and China were removed from the Skills List and they send the most J-1 exchange visitors to the US. This visa is primarily available to people who have signed up with an approved program that focuses on teaching, receiving training, or conducting research. Mar 19, 2018 · What is the Exchange Visitor Program? The Exchange Visitor Program, or J-1 visa, is a non-immigrant visa that allows eligible international candidates to travel and gain experience in the United States by participating in work- and study-based programs. This allows them to research or train in that specific field. There are specific restrictions on traveling outside the U. If you are planning to travel outside the U. Among the most notable updates, 35 countries including India, China, and Nov 19, 2021 · Bringing Cross-Cultural Experiences Home: J-1 Visa by the Numbers The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program provides opportunities for around 300,000 foreign visitors from 200 countries and territories per year to experience U. The Skills List is a list of countries designated by the Secretary of State as clearly requiring the services of persons engaged in certain fields of specialized knowledge or Jun 5, 2025 · The full and partial travel entry restrictions begin June 9, 2025, at 12:01 a. Per the notice 2 days ago · Final Thought Trump’s proposed student visa reform signals a tougher, more regulated era for international education. It does not apply to those who are physically present in the United States on June 9 or have a valid visa on that date. By capping F-1, J-1, and M-1 stays and tightening post-graduation timelines, the administration aims to curb visa abuse while prioritizing national security. and non-U. Jun 5, 2025 · - President Trump has issued two proclamations that limit visa issuance and travel to the United States. employers that want to hire workers to either receive on-the-job Dec 17, 2024 · On December 9, 2024, The Department of State issued two major revisions to its Exchange Visitor Skills list resulting in reducing the number of countries on the Exchange Visitor Skills List by almost half. and other countries around the world. The full list of countries still subject to the Skills List can be found Jun 9, 2025 · J-1 U. This requirement is intended to ensure that countries with critical shortages of certain skills can benefit from the experience and expertise of these exchange visitors. Feb 17, 2025 · Foreign nationals who come to the United States on a J-1 visa to participate in a cultural exchange program can find themselves subject to a two-year home residency requirement if their field of study is listed on the Exchange Visitors Skills List for their home country. The countries listed are the sending countries, but the program is not limited to accepting only EVs from this country. What is a J-1 Visa? A J-1 Visa is a type of non-immigrant visa issued by the US government that allows foreign nationals to enter the US temporarily for a specific purpose, such as participating in an exchange visitor program, medical training, or research. State Department Exchange Visitor Program published a revised Skills List, effective Dec. Department of State announced a major shift in the policy governing the Exchange Visitor Skills List. This update—marking the first major overhaul since 2009—introduces significant changes for J-1 visa holders and the employers who rely on this program to attract and train top global talent. , 9, 2024. Participants should contact the sponsors directly to find out more about a specific program and application requirements. While the aim is to tighten national security and reduce visa abuse, the introduction of the four-year limit could significantly impact students in long-term programs, particularly in fields like medicine, engineering, and science. Exchange Visitor Skills List About the Skills List The Exchange Visitor Skills List contains fields of specialized knowledge and skills. m. Department of State programs for U. It is vital for J-1 visa holders to comply with these rules to avoid complications and maintain their visa status. Additionally, your DS Nov 19, 2021 · View Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply to Exchange Visitor Program Learn about the application process Read about J-1 Visa’s eligibility requirements Choose a J-1 Visa program Find a program sponsor Obtain a DS-2019 form Receive the J-1 Visa at a U. Dec 13, 2024 · The J-1 is a nonimmigrant visa available for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. Dec 9, 2024 · Countries removed from the Skills List include the People’s Republic of China, India, Brazil, Turkey, and South Korea, among others. Find U. J-1 Exchange Visitor programs include au pairs, summer work travel, interns, high school and university student exchanges, physician exchanges and more. The removal of certain countries from the Skills List can significantly simplify the process for those looking to adjust their status or extend their stay in the United States. Department of State has proposed updates to the “Skills List” that applies to J-1 visa holders and determines, in some cases, whether the J-1 visa Sep 10, 2025 · The J-1 Visa is a U. S. At the same time, it allows Americans to learn about foreign countries, cultures, and traditions — allowing us to hear from Dec 6, 2023 · The J-1 exchange visitor visa is meant to promote educational and cultural exchanges between the U. 2. employers, although applicants must navigate the complex immigration process amidst potential backlogs. Jun 27, 2025 · Learn about the cost, timeline, requirements, and application process for a J-1 exchange visitor visa. This particular visa is for foreign citizens Jan 13, 2025 · The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training. law, in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e). Dec 9, 2024 · The Department of State has released an update of the Exchange Visitor Skills List effective December 9, 2024, which will apply retroactively. State Department. Countries such as Brazil, China, India, South Korea and others including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates will no longer have a 2-year foreign Dec 6, 2024 · Immediate Benefits for J-1 Visa Holders J-1 visa holders from China and other removed countries will benefit significantly from this change: Starting December 9, 2024, the two-year home residency requirement will no longer apply unless triggered by other factors, such as government funding or participation in medical training programs. 1. This shift removes the two-year home residency requirement for J-1 Visa holders from 34 countries, including Malysia, China, India, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. There are many nonimmigrant visas available. consulate or embassy Learn about participants’ experiences Current J-1 Visa Holders Extend program […] Dec 12, 2024 · The U. The Secretary of State has authority, pursuant to section 212 (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to designate countries as clearly requiring certain fields of specialized knowledge or skills. D. s from 19 countries may not be able to enter the U. Effective immediately, consular officers will use the 2024 Skills List to make preliminary determinations on the applicability of the two-year home country physical presence requirement under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 212 (e) when Dec 11, 2024 · New Exchange Visitor List Has Important and Immediate Implications for J-1 Exchange Visitors On December 9, 2024, the U. non-immigrant visa designed for exchange visitors who participate in approved cultural exchange programs. . This requirement is part of U. The update removes 37 countries, including China, India, South Korea, Romania, Argentina, Brazil, Algeria, and South Africa. Some of the countries removed include China, India, Korea, and Brazil. Dec 9, 2024 · J-1 visa holders who are admitted in J status, or who obtained J status, on or after December 9, 2024 are no longer subject to the two-year requirement if their country is not on the updated list. Jan 15, 2025 · The Department of State (DOS) revised the J-1 Skills List, which lists home countries to which foreign nationals are subject to a two-year foreign home residency requirement. - One of the proclamations is a long-anticipated travel ban that affects immigrant and nonimmigrant visa issuance for 19 countries, effective June 9, 2025. Department of State updated the J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List, revising the countries subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement. Unlike other nonimmigrant visas, such as the F-1 for academic students, the J-1 emphasizes cultural exchange and requires participants to return home and share their experiences. Mar 18, 2025 · Nationals of the restricted or banned countries who are outside the United States when the ban is announced may be unable to return, even with a valid visa stamp. Department of State revised the J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List, resulting in removal of foreign nationals from more than thirty countries. The 2024 revised "skills list" removes a large number of countries. Sep 12, 2024 · A J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to come to the United States temporarily. Dec 10, 2024 · For the first time since 2009, the U. while on your J-1 visa, you should ensure all of your visa documents are in order to allow you to return. Feb 27, 2025 · The U. Dec 14, 2024 · On December 9, 2024, the U. Unless you are traveling to Canada, Mexico, or some of the Caribbean islands (see the information below), then the U. Entry Restrictions The following information pertains to Ohio State F-1 and J-1 international students, J-1 visiting scholars and H-1B employees. - The second J-1 visa of the United States in exchange student's passport from Thailand A J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to research scholars, professors and exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training within the U. Jun 13, 2025 · The pause on new J-1 visa appointments had already thrown a wrench in medical residencies, and now M. Previously, J-1 visa holders from listed countries were required to return to their home countries for at least two years after completing their programs. program. Who is impacted? Foreign nationals from the nineteen countries who are outside the U. immigration policy. This is a significant revision made for the Mar 9, 2025 · J-1 Visa Program Faces Uncertainty Amid Trump’s Travel Policy Review A recent update eased restrictions for 37 countries, but a new executive order could lead to fresh visa limitations and travel bans as early a next week. The updated Exchange Visitor Skills List is effective immediately and applies retroactively. 5 days ago · The proposed changes to the F-1, J-1, and M-1 student visa rules represent a major shift in U. Traveling Outside the U. Jan 27, 2025 · The Exchange Visitor Skills List has traditionally identified specific countries and fields of expertise considered crucial for national development. Please review the Public Notice to determine if your country, has been removed. These programs promote international exchange and learning across fields like education, research, business, medicine, and cultural exchange. Dec 11, 2024 · J-1 Visa Residency Requirements Updated The U. Francis Law Center, Immigration Law Firm, can guide you through the latest updates. The Skills List is a list of countries identified by the Department of State as needing expertise in certain fields of specialized knowledge or skill. Learn how to check your status, understand 212(e), and apply for a waiver if needed. Employees or business visitors from highly restricted countries will face rigorous visa application processes. Dec 18, 2024 · People who apply in these categories of professional fields receive J-1 Visas for a temporary stay in US. The chart below includes all designated sponsors and their respective categories and countries of citizenship for their EV population for the prior calendar year. Feb 17, 2025 · In what some might consider a parting gift from the Biden administration, the U. This change opens up career opportunities and expands the talent pool for U. The visa also allows the holder to travel in and out of the US for a certain period of time. Department of State released a new J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List which removes over 30 countries, including China, India, Brazil, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, and Colombia. A presidential proclamation took effect Monday, June 9, 2025 that suspends entry into the United States for certain nationals of 19 designated countries. Dec 18, 2024 · The significance of the removal of these countries from the J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List cannot be overstated. while on a J-1 Visa, including the need for travel validation before leaving and re-entry requirements. This visa category is popular among international students, scholars, and professionals seeking short-term opportunities to expand their expertise and cultural horizons. citizens wishing to participate in cultural, educational, or professional exchanges. Dec 9, 2024 · Notably, many countries with large volumes of J-1 exchange visitors to the United States (including India, China, and Brazil – among several others) will now be removed from the Skills List altogether, meaning citizens of those countries who utilize a J-1 visa for research, studies or other exchange programs in the United States will no Some exchange visitors with J-1 visas are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. Exchange visitor (J) visas are nonimmigrant visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. One of the Nov 19, 2021 · Program sponsors are responsible for selecting participants for the Exchange Visitor Program, as well as supporting and monitoring them during their entire program stay. The revised Skills List is effective Dec 17, 2024 · What This Means for You If you are a J-1 visa holder or employer of J-1 visa holders, it’s important to review these changes closely. Dec 9, 2024 · The Department of State ("Department") is announcing an update of the Exchange Visitors Skills List ("Skills List"). entry visa in your passport must be valid in order to return to the U. These programs are designed to promote the exchange of knowledge and skills between visitors from another country and the United States, in the fields of education, arts, and science. As of December 9, 2024, J-1 visa holders from 34 countries, including India, China, South Korea, and the UAE, will no longer have to meet the two-year home residency requirement. Department of State has announced a landmark revision to the Exchange Visitor Skills List, effective December 9, 2024. Department of State now allows J-1 visa holders from 34 countries, including China and India, to transition directly to H-1B visas and apply for green cards without the two-year home residency requirement. J-1 Exchange Visitors and their J-2 dependents who were subject to the two-year home residency requirement at the time of their admission or acquisition of J status based on a prior Dec 9, 2024 · By shortening the list of countries on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, the State Department makes the J-1 visa a more attractive visa option for nationals and residents of countries that are now no longer listed. Dec 28, 2024 · Eligibility for J-1 Visa Holders: J-1 visa holders whose countries were removed from the revised Skills List, and who obtained J-1 status before December 9, 2024, are no longer subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement. The State Department changed the criteria for determining which countries will be on the list, resulting in the removal of about 36 countries, including Brazil, China, India, South Korea and Turkey, among others. For the first time since 2009, the Department of State has revised the Exchange Visitor (J-1) Skills List. society and culture and engage with Americans. If you cannot return home for two years, you must apply fora waiver. The updated Exchange Nov 23, 2023 · The J1 visa, also known as the Exchange Visitor Visa, is a program that promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the USA and other countries. The J-1 Visa offers cultural and educational exchange opportunities in the United States through a variety of programs overseen by the U. The J-1 visa is also used by U. Dec 12, 2024 · The 212 (e) requirement mandates that certain J-1 exchange visitors must return to their home country for a minimum of two years after completing their exchange program in the U. The Department of Homeland Dec 9, 2024 · China, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and more than 20 other countries have been removed from the J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List, meaning that nationals of these countries are no longer subject to a two-year home residency requirement on the basis of possessing skills needed in their home country. Travel entry restrictions apply to F-1 and J-1 students without a valid visa and who are outside the U. Department of State’s December 2024 update to the Skills List retroactively exempts J-1 visa holders from countries like China, India, South Korea, and Brazil from the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement if the Skills List was the only reason they were subject.