Visas that are currently valid will remain valid. Sponsors should document all such unique circumstances, and must continue to monitor exchange programs to ensure they meet program objectives to the fullest extent possible during this situation. Exchange visitors’ circumstances may change during their time off-program. If exchange visitors do not need them for formal processing, sponsors may electronically transmit to exchange visitors updated and fully executed Forms DS-2019 reflecting last week's 60-day extension. In certain circumstances, a fee payment can be transferred to another SEVIS ID. This flexibility requires sponsors to fully document all technical deviations from the regulations, including digitally saving video files. USIT, which oversees the J1 process in Ireland, expects to know more early next week after it speaks to US authorities. No. The Department is updating FAQs this week to provide an updated link for any exchange visitor whose program has reached maximum duration and wishes to apply for change of status through the Department of Homeland Security. As we work through this process we will keep you informed and work with you to try to resolve matters as they arise. The sites of activity will remain the same (since they will continue to be enrolled at the same institutions), but sponsors should note in remarks that the exchange visitors have returned to their home countries due to the COVID 19 pandemic. There is no set date for the opening of the general visa stamping. Current exchange visitors may continue on programs that, as intended/designed, fully complied with the regulations – including with regard to the cross-cultural activity requirements – provided that the deviation is not excessive for the circumstances, and that it occurred due to factors (like the current COVID-19 situation) outside of the sponsors’, hosts’, and exchange participants control. I'll call it a "note to file" but you should maintain this change in the exchange visitor's program for future reference. Please review the guidance emailed to sponsors by the OPA teams for incident reporting criteria regarding COVID-19-related cases for specific categories. Given the uncertainty of available flights and ongoing travel restrictions, Private Sector Exchange strongly recommends exchange visitors proactively reach out to their respective embassies if they are unable to book return flights home. The regulations generally do not identify specific requirements for criminal background reports themselves, except that for certain programs they must include a search of the Department of Justice's National Sex Offender Public Registry (which is online). A temporary modification along these lines of a current exchange participant's program due to exigent circumstances beyond a sponsor’s or host entity’s control does not undermine the program’s original consistency with the regulations. (A) Sponsors should consult with the host placements to seek alternative ways to maintain program objectives, while preventing unnecessary exposure to the disease and its spread. No visa fee refunds are available at this time for those applicants who have not been able to schedule or cannot attend a visa interview due to a COVID-19-related closure. This fee is nonrefundable and non-transferrable. To be eligible for a potential interview waiver, the F, M, or J visa applicant's application must have been filed within 12 months of the expiration of his or her prior visa in the same category. US Visa Travel Advisory for Coronavirus. For example, college/university student programs must generally take place "at a degree-granting post-secondary accredited academic institution" (2 CFR 62.23(a)); Teachers must teach "in an accredited primary or secondary school" (22 CFR 62.24(d)(5)); and Professors "must conduct their exchange activity at the site(s) of activity" although occasional lectures or consultations are allowable at other locations (22 CFR 62.20(f)). Please refer to ECA communication dated March 16, 2020 for exchange visitor SEVIS records in Initial or Active status. If exchange visitors remain in homes long enough to require second home visits, having exchange visitors conduct virtual tours of their homes could fulfill the second home visit requirement. Sponsors must adhere to all other aspects of the vetting and monitoring requirements. Expansion of Interview Waiver Eligibility. (A) ECA understands that this is a difficult situation. Blue murder springs to mind. Medical professionals under the J1 Exchange Visitor visa program and in other visa categories including immigrant Visitor visa categories, should now be able to gain entry to the US. 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As previously noted, if the exchange visitor needs the original form with signature in order to participate on the Program - perhaps due to a separate requirement for original documents for a visa interview or the DHS requirement for entry to the United States - then the sponsor needs to transmit documents to exchange visitors that meet that regulatory requirement. However, a spokesperson for travel agency USIT told Independent.ie that the pause will only impact those travelling between now and May 11, 2020. (A) Routine visa services will resume as soon as possible, but a specific date cannot be provided at this time. Sponsors continue to be required to conduct character reference checks and criminal background checks, as specified in the regulations. Japan Visitor Hotline. See below tweet from US consulate Mumbai from today That said, I looked at the I-901 Fee Frequently Asked Questions at the SEVP I-901 Fee website, and per the website, The SEVIS fee is paid for an individual's opportunity to participate on an exchange program and remains valid for one year after payment. If you adjusted the dates, to include shortening the program, we are recommending as a best practice that you issue a new DS-2019. We will be following the current guidance from the government and health authorities to ensure we are taking the right actions to protect our customers, employees and the community we operate in. Some of the exchange visitors who are subject to the European Travel Proclamations may be eligible to enter the United States if they qualify for a national interest exception (NIE) to the European Travel Proclamations. Exchange visitors anticipating formal processing requirements should request their sponsors send them original Forms DS-2019. Specifically, "The Department urges sponsors to either cancel the programs altogether or defer the start dates to a date past the current recommended 60-day suspension period and issue new Forms DS-2019.”  As the new ECA -funded program hiatus is indefinite, the Department urges sponsors to defer program start dates and continue to monitor and update SEVIS records (including periodically updating "place holder" program start dates to make certain they are in the future). In this situation, there is no need to wait another 60 days for the exchange visitors to go home. Because of the quickly developing situation, I've included advice and a template you can send to the relevant embassies to get more information. Current exchange visitors may continue on programs that, as intended/designed, fully complied with the regulations – including with regard to the number of hours to be worked – provided that the deviation is not excessive for the circumstances, and that it occurred due to factors (like the current COVID-19 situation) outside of the sponsors’, hosts’, and exchange visitors control. There is no plan at this time to postpone management audits, but again will notify sponsors with any deadline changes. When we have more definitive information we will share it with you. Annual report narratives should explain program highlights as well as difficulties, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sponsor must assess the situation, which may include utilizing alternative ways of maintaining program objectives due to school closures, such as online classes or home schooling. Sponsors may continue to temporarily allow active students to continue their Academic Training remotely to prevent unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. For example: Condition 8202 for Student visa holders requires the main applicant to be enrolled in a full time course and meet the requirements for enrolment, (i.e. Coronavirus However, the Department continues to permit sponsors to email copies of fully executed Forms DS-2019 to exchange visitors to reflect updated information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (e.g., extended program end date, change of address). Visit travel.state.gov for up-to-date embassy information and travel restrictions. Go to: On March 20, 2020, U.S. embassies and consulates suspended all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services. We continue to wait. Yes, sponsors must extend the insurance coverage and fund it as they did during the exchange visitors’ initial programs. For the privately funded programs we are asking sponsors of these programs to follow published ECA guidance for the ECA-funded programs and to make decisions based upon what best serves the health, safety, and welfare of exchange visitors, the interests of natural parents or legal guardians, and those of the Americans with whom they interact. Our overseas missions will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but we are unable to provide a specific date at this time. Agent fee is around 500$ varies depends on the agent. Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) sponsors are reminded to continue to follow guidance that ECA/EC has posted at. Sponsors should document all such unique circumstances, and must continue to monitor exchange programs to ensure they meet program objectives to the fullest extent possible during this situation. J-1 students who are seeking to apply for a visa and believe they may qualify for an NIE should contact their nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before they attempt to travel to and enter the United States. In the case of graduating students, sponsors may temporarily allow them to begin their Academic Training remotely to prevent unnecessary exposure to COVID-19 as long as the host organization is open and able to provide the training remotely. Sponsors must balance the needs of exchange visitors to have money to cover basic needs with the need for social distancing. We are already engaging with the rest of the Department, including our Regional bureaus, in order to explore options to assist. § 62.25(f)(1)(ii) does require sponsors to secure "prior written acceptance for the enrollment of any exchange student in a United States public or private secondary school" which must include "written arrangements concerning the payment of tuition or waiver thereof if applicable." The Department is aware that a significant number of exchange visitors currently in the United States are at the maximum duration of their current Exchange Visitor Program category and their exchange program cannot be extended. 'We would be the champions and rightly so' - Neil Lennon expects Celtic to be crowned if season cancelled, Varadkar says response to coronavirus is 'complicated' by North-South divide, Panic buyers empty shops as minister urges end to stockpiling, At risk: Teenager with cystic fibrosis tells of fears, Four healthcare workers among 20 new cases to be diagnosed, Trinity students offered accommodation refunds to go home as teacher unions call off Easter conferences, Keep children apart to save lives – doctors warn, A country on lockdown: the weekend guide to social distancing, Trump vows that he will 'unleash the full power of government' after fierce criticism, 'It's a fast spreader' - Leo, Donald and the week in which everything changed, Stuck at home with the family? A reasonable, temporary modification for exigent circumstances beyond a sponsor's control would not undermine a program’s consistency with the regulations. As noted previously, you should review the program end date. If needed, the individual can re-apply for a visa within the 12-month period without paying a new SEVIS fee. At this time the Department is not extending categories beyond the maximum duration but is continuing to monitor the situation. Citizenship and Immigration Services. P.P. International Student Services is deeply concerned about the current coronavirus outbreak and sincerely hope that you, your families, and your friends have not been directly impacted. Trinity College Dublin is encouraging students living in college accommodation to return home and offering them a partial refund. Sponsors should document all such unique circumstances and must continue to monitor exchange programs to ensure they meet program objectives to the fullest extent possible during this situation. Update – November 4, 2020 The Proclamation & J-1 Visa suspension. The Department notes that a temporary modification along these lines for exigent circumstances beyond a sponsor’s or host entity’s control does not undermine a program’s consistency with the regulations. Second, they should consult the Office of Private Sector Exchange’s website at. The guidance there applies to all categories that require a minimum of 32 hours, such as interns, trainees, and teachers. The Department is working with sponsors to individually address situations that involve minors (on the Secondary School Student program) who remain in the United States either involuntarily or by choice. Administration of the 2-year home residency requirement falls under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Your sponsor organization is still the best point of contact to address this issue and we encourage you to follow their guidance. The longer this situation remains, the greater the risk to these programs, but we are not yet at a point where a decision would be made by the Department. The Department of State has also temporarily suspended routine visa services at all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. Nov 25, 2020 K Visa Processing Update. If the SEVIS record is still active, you can amend the program end date and issue a new DS-2019. Please contact the Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation to discuss this option. (A) Yes, we have had a lot of questions about COVID diagnoses and quarantines. As per §62.7(a), sponsors must file for redesignation no more than six months and no fewer than three months before the designation expiration date set forth in the sponsor’s most recent letter of designation or redesignation. Thursday, 24 December 2020 | 1.4°C Dublin, Menu Such approval should be maintained in exchange visitors’ files. Sponsors must also closely monitor the health, safety and welfare of each exchange visitor to determine if remaining on the exchange program is truly feasible. Immigration Update: Coronavirus The COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on immigration policies and processes worldwide. The exchange visitor needs to have an accurate DS-2019 that reflects his/her exchange program at all times. (A) This is a very common question and one we are looking at very closely. The recent Presidential Proclamation suspending or limiting entry for several non-immigrant visa types has impacted the cultural exchange program community, effectively preventing many 2020 CHI program participants from being able to apply for a J1 visa to join a program in the U.S. for the remainder of this year.. If you move to another country, please contact us so that we can close your case. A nonimmigrant visa application fee receipt is valid to make an appointment one year from the date of payment. On July 14, 2020, DOS announced the beginning of a phased resumption of visa services on a post-by-post basis. Again, sponsors are strongly encouraged to document their decisions throughout this situation. The Department understands that the COVID-19 situation has caused a major disruption in program participation. Despite the challenges the suspension poses, CHI is proactive in supporting … An exchange visitor currently on an exchange program whose visa has expired and who does not plan to travel outside of the U.S. does not need to renew his or her visa. Effective June 24, 2020, P.P. While the SSS regulations neither prohibit nor require the charging of tuition by host schools, either public or private, 22 C.F.R. The health, safety, and welfare of exchange participants, and of the Americans with whom they interact, remains the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) highest priority," they told Independent.ie. Exchange visitors still technically have a 30-day grace period following the program end date. "Consular sections around the world have adjusted, or may adjust, their provision of consular services depending on the local context. So we are closely reviewing this question. We are reviewing this on a daily basis. Go to: The Department of State is currently working with the sponsor community to protect the health, safety and welfare of U.S. persons and all exchange visitors to the greatest extent possible, which may involve repatriating exchange visitors, if it is safe and feasible to do so. Program Updates All programs will have some modifications for academic year 2020-2021. UPDATE: New Corona UK visa extensions (to 31 July 2020) - Duration: 10:49. (A) First, review the regulations at 22 CFR 62.12 and the SEVIS RO/ARO Manuals for specific details on when to print a new Form DS-2019. TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has said the response to the coronavirus outbreak is “complicated” by the North-South divide in Ireland. Please follow the links below for the latest guidance for Exchange Visitor Program sponsors and participants. Update on Public Charge. For the privately funded programs we are asking sponsors of these programs to follow published ECA guidance for the ECA-funded programs (which as aforementioned has generally not required high school students to return home) and to make decisions based upon what best protects the health, safety, and welfare of exchange visitors and the Americans with whom they interact. 10052 may seek to obtain J visas but may still be unable to enter the United States due to the European Travel Proclamations. As noted during the conference call with sponsors on March 27th, sponsors are advised to reprint Forms DS-2019, fully execute them with original signatures in blue ink, and transmit them in accordance with routine requirements if exchange visitors need Forms DS-2019 for formal processing (i.e., visa application issuance or application for entry to the United States). October Updates on Covid-19: You can visit Bali - Indonesia, with investor visa, family visa, or B211A. Staff are being asked to work from home and supermarket shelves across the country are being frantically emptied in preparation for the worst. Thus, the regulations allow for the payment of tuition if the school, the sponsor, and those responsible for the student agree, but the payment of tuition is by no means a requirement of the Exchange Visitor Program. The J1 Visa programme has been suspended for 60 days. With respect to exchange visitors who are currently in “active” status in SEVIS and are continuing programs that were underway in a manner compliant with regulations when the pandemic reached the United States, ECA understands that program sponsors have adjusted program activities to meet their obligations to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of their exchange participants. President Donald Trump summed it up pretty well in one of his more lucid moments sat alongside Leo Varadkar in the Oval Office on Thursday. If you have an emergency, please consult the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you are applying for a visa for more information. Sponsors and their exchange visitors are also encouraged to review the following USCIS website detailing special situations for extensions and change of visa status, including those individuals subject to INA 212(e): Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement. There is not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question that is apparent to us at this time. Also, as previously noted please do check our website at. The Department understands that conditions created by the COVID-19 pandemic may make it difficult for some sponsors to meet this minimum program size requirement. Of course, sponsors must continue to monitor exchange programs to ensure they meet program objectives to the fullest extent possible during this situation. Lees wat de maatregelen tegen corona (COVID-19) betekenen voor uw reis naar of verblijf in Nederland. U.S. CONSULATES OVERSEAS The U.S. Department of State (see Future Programs, Updated 5/15/2020) , in response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, has temporarily suspended routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. There was only update from US Dept of State, but nothing US consulates in India. For guidance on matters related to visa services, Presidential Proclamations (including those related to travel restrictions), and eligibility for NIEs, please refer to the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) at. Your sponsor is still the best point of contact to address this issue and we encourage you to follow their guidance. More information on NIEs can be found at the following websites: The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to facilitate in-person exchanges. Please direct all general COVID-19 questions […] In the case of a College or University Student participating in Academic Training, for example, the regulations require that the student be primarily in the United States to study rather than to participate in Academic Training, that the Academic Training be directly related to his or her major field of study, that the student be in good academic standing with the post-secondary accredited academic institution; and the student receive written approval in advance from the responsible officer for the duration and type of academic training (22 CFR 62.23(f)). Routine visa services will resume as soon as possible, but a specific date at this time cannot be provided. Students planning to travel Stateside this summer are currently unaffected by the 60-day temporary pause which has been placed on J-1 visa programmes in response to coronavirus concerns. Exchange visitors who return to renew their visas will generally not be permitted to return to the United States from one of these countries. We will advise all sponsors by email when the suspension period for ECA-funded program ends. For further guidance, please reach out to ECFMG at: EVSP-support@ECFMG.org. If the visas are not cancelled, the visa holder may become in breach of their visa conditions if required to stay for an extended period of time, outside of Australia. If your email address changes, update your Visa Appointment Service account. As the State Department has issued a Global Level 4 Travel Advisory, the suspension applies to ALL countries. A US State Department Official said the exchange visitor program and the summer work travel category is not subject to the ECA-funded programme suspension, but recommends programme sponsors follow ECA's recommendation to postpone. Sponsors and their exchange visitors are encouraged to review the following USCIS website detailing special situations for extensions and change of visa status, including those individuals subject to INA 212(e): Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement. This exception, that applies only to this unprecedented situation, will reduce the sponsors' burden of reprinting and transmitting original forms. If the exchange visitors were prepared to end their programs early and their travel arrangements are in place with no anticipated delays or restrictions, they should leave as originally planned. On June 22, 2020, President Trump announced the expansion of his April 22nd Proclamation 10014—suspending J-1 visas through the end of 2020. attendance requirements) to meet their visa conditions. Also, for host families that have not previously and successfully hosted for a sponsor, the Department recommends an additional level of approval (e.g., by a regional coordinator or headquarters staff) of the placement and the sufficiency of the technological substitution for in-person activities. As always, sponsors should end the programs of exchange visitors who are no longer pursuing program activities or updating sponsors with their whereabouts. Neil Lennon would expect Celtic to be declared Ladbrokes Premiership champions if the season is brought to a premature end due to the coronavirus crisis. While the Department generally requires SoN letters to be provided by the relevant Ministries of Health, this may not be possible at this time. It was originally published on January 28, 2020, but last updated on February 10, 2020) Australia Closes Borders for Chinese Arrivals The Australian Border Force has announced that as of February 1, the government has ordered the ABF to enhance border measures in order to reduce the risk The health, safety, and welfare of exchange visitors continues to be the Department’s primary concern. Four healthcare workers are among the latest group of 20 people to be diagnosed with coronavirus. Sponsors who seek waiver of the five-participant minimum should cite the Covid-19 pandemic in requests for waiver and submit them to the Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation at. Exchange visitors participating in an EVP category that is not subject to P.P. Due to the number of exchange visitors affected by airline disruptions and border closures, individual incident reports are unnecessary. This policy reflects sponsor obligations to promote the health, safety and welfare of Exchange Visitor Program participants while at the same time meeting program objectives. FAQ 2.10) My passport or other documents were requested following a visa interview before March 20, 2020. Where commercial flights are unavailable or travel to a country is suspended, ECA refers all sponsors and exchange visitors to the websites and social media sites of the embassy in the United States of the exchange visitor's home country. "The situation regarding COVID 19 continues to evolve rapidly. You may keep the SEVIS record active if the exchange visitor plans to return to the United States after the travel restrictions and quarantine period are lifted, to complete his/her exchange program. Exchange visitors should be mindful of the validity dates of their J-1 visas; they may need to renew their visas before they return to the United States.”. Students planning to travel Stateside this summer are currently unaffected by the 60-day temporary pause which has been placed on J-1 visa programmes in response to coronavirus concerns.