Program Updates. Last Updated: Aug. 7, 2020 . P.P. Summer Work Travel Program. A complete application includes confirmation of payment of the required non-refundable application fee through pay.gov (see 22 CFR §62.17). If admitted to a YSS Program Abroad, you may apply the two summer courses toward the tuition cost of two credits. OPA is aware that as some sponsors move their operations to an online environment,their institutions are concurrently working on measures to decrease the density of their campuses (including moving exchange visitors out of university housing). We suggest you check the state website if there are locations that perform free testing as part of the state program. While these regulations do allow ECA to provide some flexibility in permitting a limited amount of distance learning, ECA reminds sponsors that the Exchange Visitor Program generally requires programs to foster the exchange of ideas between foreign teachers and students and American counterparts. 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. Follow us on TwitterLike us on FacebookConnect with us on LinkedIn, NAFSA: Association of International Educators, Copyright 1998-2020. All Rights Reserved. EVP presents its regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions in 7 groupings: Reproduced below are several key FAQs and communications from the ECA COVID-19 page. Links. Citizenship and Immigration Services – H-1b Visa Federal list of Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) As noted during the conference call with sponsors on March 27th, sponsors are advised to print Forms DS-2019, fully execute them with original signatures in blue ink, and transmit them in accordance with regulatory requirements if exchange visitors need Forms DS-2019 for formal processing. No. If you are a participant in the U.S. currently, please call 1-888-268-6245 any time to speak with a CIEE representative if you have any questions. US government, government abroad, foreign university or funding source abroad prevents J-1 program participation. In keeping with ECA's message on March 11, 2020 (https://j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.11.2020_Exchange-Visitor-Program-Sponsor-Guidance.pdf), ECA continues to ask sponsors and exchange visitors to consult with host organizations to find alternative ways to maintain program objectives, including online classes or other arrangements, while preventing unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. No need for a deposit until we give you full details. Some schools may be invoking remote learning or may be closed for the remainder of the year. As always, sponsors should end the programs of exchange visitors who are no longer pursuing program activities or updating sponsors with their whereabouts. It appears from the message that this will happen automatically in SEVIS, and not require any action on the part of the sponsor or the participant. Availability may be limited so get your name down now! This requirement is part of U.S. law, in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e). Please submit an electronic copy to mdh.providerworkforceprograms@maryland.gov along with the hard copy original/copy by mail. Please note, however, that sponsors must keep their designations current throughout any such a pause in program. 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 [email protected]. The Incident Report Form is available on the Academic Program Sponsors page on the j1visa.state.gov website. Participants currently in the U.S. Programs already underway may continue as planned. Given the ongoing unpredictability of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on global health and travel, Stanford is suspending all BOSP 2020-21 Spring Quarter study away programs. CIEE believes that international exchange prepares the next generation of leaders to work across cultures and tackle global crises, such as COVID-19, that require global cooperation on solutions. Any applications in our system as of March 23, 2020 will be allowed to move forward. Originally the U.S. had stopped processing visas. Participants should contact CIEE Support Team at 1-800-448-9944 to alert us of any difficulties completing their program as planned or if they wish to return home earlier than planned. 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). Below please find additional guidance by program. Please also continue to send inquiries to the Office of Private Sector Exchange, and we will share your concerns with CA. Welcome About EVSP Application Overview For J-1 Applicants/Physicians For J-1 Host Institutions COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) ANNOUNCEMENT The ECFMG|FAIMER Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program (EVSP) continues to provide its services and communicate to relevant stakeholders about new immigration or COVID-19 issues that impact exchange visitor physicians. Other conditions, criteria and requirements under the regulations remain in effect. December 9, 2020 Dear BOSP Spring Quarter Program Participants and Families, I am writing to share an important Bing Overseas Studies Program (BOSP) update about our Spring Quarter programs. We are working to support efforts to restore normal visa issuance for J-1 programs as soon as possible. The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program is to facilitate in-person exchanges. See section 214(l) of the Immigration Nationality Act (INA). CIEE is moving forward with Summer 2020 programming for all counselors who have visas in hand as of June 22. Please follow the links below for the latest guidance for Exchange Visitor Program sponsors and participants. Please see the 10/09/2020 response from SEVP regarding Spring 2021 COVID guidance: The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has not issued guidance to international students and schools for the Spring 2021 semester. *** Conrad 30 (J-1 Visa Waiver) Program FY 2021 Application Cycle Update: The application cycle is currently open from October 1, 2020 through December 1, 2020. More than 1.9 lakh health care workers (HCWs) from both private and government sectors in Haryana will be vaccinated in the first phase of Covid-19 vaccine rollout in the state. Thousands of J-1 visa students visit Delmarva every Summer to find work and better opportunities than they do in their home countries. 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. We continue to recommend participants stay informed on their home country government’s requirements, as well as local health and safety guidance. J-1 Visa Waiver Program. Some of the exchange visitors who are subject to the Proclamation may be able to enter the United States if they qualify for a national interest exception (NIE). It is critically important that applicants go to the appropriate approved host employer and failure to do so may result in program termination. In honor of the holiday season, we're helping alumni... ​ ​​ Click here to open figure in a new window to see full size. If so, what is the process? 10052) (i.e., Au Pair, Camp Counselor, Intern, Summer Work Travel, Teacher, Trainee) to determine whether they qualify for national interest exceptions (NIEs) under P.P. DOS Implements Automatic J-1 Program Extensions for Some in Response to COVID-19. Sponsors may continue to temporarily allow active students to continue their Academic Training remotely to prevent unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. Spring 2021 While participants may not be able to return home immediately, they should begin to make plans to return home as soon as they are able. Since March 2020, United States businesses and their workers hav NAFSA. Some exchange visitors with J-1 visas are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement. Coronavirus: Donald Trump has been urged to suspend the H-1B visa programme for 2020 (File) Highlights US companies via H-1B visa hire from countries like India and China We encourage all prospective participants or applicants to direct their questions to their International Representatives. The state has established the J-1 Visa Waiver Program to help rural communities recruit foreign or international medical graduate physicians. FAQs: COVID-19 Immigration Implications. Exchange visitors participating in an EVP category that is not subject to P.P. DoD Guidance on the Use of Cloth Face Coverings; NGNJ JFHQ Reg 1035-1 - Telework Program; Addendum to NGNJ JFHQ Reg 1035-01 - Telework Program; Employee Status/Leave Options for … Last Revised on September 24, 2020 Due to the extended nature of the SARS-Cov-2/COVID-19 pandemic the Office of Intramural Research has modified the extension policy for trainees including IRTAs, CRTAs, Visiting Fellows, Research Fellows and Clinical Fellows. 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. J1 Human Resources Office; COVID-19 Guidance and Information; COVID-19 Guidance and Information. If your institution is taking measures to relocate exchange visitors from campus housing, please detail this in your Incident Report and explain the options and/or resources you are providing to exchange visitors in terms of alternative housing. Please direct all general COVID-19 questions […] Sponsors must submit annual reports by the regulatory mandated due dates. 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. If you're planning to take part in the J1 Student Work and Travel programme, here's some useful advice to help ensure your trip goes smoothly. First, exchange visitors experiencing difficulty returning home should remain in contact with their sponsors (and sponsors should document exchange visitor records to reflect these contacts and the exchange visitors’ efforts to leave the United States.). Sponsors are responsible for exchange visitors who are in Active status, and they are required to monitor programs and accurately update SEVIS daily, as necessary. (April 2, 2020) (April 2, 2020) USCIS Will Reuse Biomtetrics for I-765 Extensions . As long as you have these two valid documents, your status in the United States is legitimate and lawful. 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. Please use our online appointment system to make a visa appointment once we … Please discuss your individual circumstances with an advisor in OIS prior to travel or in advance of any change in the terms of your approved program or employment. June 25 FAQ Update. In a March 30, 2020, the Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies detailed the negative impacts COVID-19 has for undocumented Filipino and other populations. Winter 2019-2020 participants that are currently in the U.S. As of March 17, CIEE is recommending that all CIEE Work & Travel USA participants on the Winter 2019-2020 program, currently in the U.S. return home as soon as possible. Updates on Study Abroad Programs 18 Aug 2020 – Undergraduate exchange program (inbound and outbound) for Spring 2021 is suspended. (March 27, 2020). EVP updated the Current Programs FAQ on the ECA COVID-19 page with the following new FAQ: REMOTE ACADEMIC TRAINING FOR CONTINUING PARTICIPANTS: What is the policy regarding College and University Students who are currently on Academic Training and have been since the spring – do we allow them to continue their Academic Training remotely? Please note, however, that sponsors should inform exchange visitors that electronically transmitted forms will not be sufficient for formal processing, and exchange visitors anticipating formal processing requirements should request their sponsors send them original Forms DS-2019. DOS Implements Automatic J-1 Program Extensions for Some in Response to COVID-19. 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. For any questions or concerns regarding a program already in progress in the U.S., please contact our Participant Services Coordinator, Abigail Graszl, at +1-917-305-5486 or via email. (April 13, 2020) EVP updated its "Program Disruption" FAQs on the ECA COVID-19 page with the following: What should a sponsor do if the Exchange Visitor cannot meet the cross-cultural activity requirements in the regulations? Visa Waiver Program (VWP) entrants are not eligible to extend their stay or change status. Students FIRST COVID-19 Emergency Fund: targeted financial aid to help students who are facing increased need now and for the coming academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. J-1 Visa Waiver - Special Program Application. 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. US temporarily suspends J1 visa programme in response to Covid-19 outbreak Stephen McDermott. CIEE has provided each participant with guidance specific to their circumstances regarding next steps for their program. Please see 8 CFR 217.3(a). The 212(e) may apply to Exchange Visitors in any J-1 category. Academic Colleges and Academic Advisors. Phone: 207-553-4000 | Fax: 207-553-4299 | contact@ciee.org This order does not impact secondary student, research scholar, short-term scholar, specialist, and professor program categories. A Department of State Bureau of Educational Exchange Exchange Visitor Program page links to the latest guidance for Exchange Visitor Program sponsors and participants, and includes a Frequently Asked Questions section as well. CIEE: Council On International Educational Exchange The Department extended exchange visitor programs due to the volume of exchange visitors experiencing trouble making travel arrangements. Yes. The regulations do not allow for the Department of State to waive the requirement for sponsors to submit a complete application for redesignation (see 22 CFR §62.7). Please discuss your individual circumstances with an advisor in OIS prior to travel or in advance of any change in the terms of your approved program or employment. Sponsors would have to send DOS a list of participants to whom that action should be applied. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose serious health risks for global communities. For example, if a US Presidential Proclamation currently prevents US entry, if a scholar is unable to secure a J-visa, if a federal mandate exists in the origin country which disallows travel to the US or if the scholar’s home institution/funding agency requires a delay in the J-1 program. University Housing. All programs will have some modifications for academic year 2020-2021. Is in-person Academic Training their only option? (April 2, 2020) ECA emailed exchange visitor program sponsors to inform them that DOS "will now push a two-month extension to program end dates in SEVIS on active records with a program end date between April 1 – May 31, 2020 in order to provide exchange visitors the opportunity to complete either their educational … Emergency Phone: 800-407-8839. FAQs: COVID-19 Immigration Implications. ... CO HELP (general covid questions): 303-389-1687 or (877) 462-2911. Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) regulations at 22 § CFR 62.8(a) require sponsors (other than federal government agencies) to have at least five active exchange visitors during the annual reporting cycle (e.g., academic, calendar, or fiscal year) stated in their individual letters of designation or redesignation. More information on NIEs can be found at the following websites: August 4, 2020 FAQ Update. 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:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-539. SAYITJ1, Ireland largest & longest J1 provider, is now open for registrations for our J1 Work and Travel 2021 programme. Sponsors and exchange visitors must be aware of each jurisdiction's shelter-in-place (or similar) orders; working in violation of such orders is not acceptable. 10052 does not apply to exchange visitors who were in the United States on the effective date of the Proclamation (June 24), or who had a valid J nonimmigrant visa (and plans to enter the United States on that visa). (J-1 Visa Waiver) Program Policies and Procedures are noted throughout the responses to serve as reference to program policy. COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Country ... contains information about immigration regulations for international scholars and faculty that can be useful during the COVID-19 situation. This exception, that applies only to this unprecedented situation, will reduce the sponsors' burden of reprinting and transmitting original forms. (April 2, 2020) ECA emailed exchange visitor program sponsors to inform them that DOS "will now push a two-month extension to program end dates in SEVIS on active records with a program end date between April 1 – May 31, 2020 in order to provide exchange visitors the opportunity to complete either their educational or training programs, or continue to finalize travel plans to return home." CIEE has expanded the lens for assessing risk to include a multitude of inputs and... With hope for a brighter year ahead, we want to share with you the latest updates on the programs, scholarships, and initiatives CIEE has planned for 2021. Student and Exchange Visitor Program . Travelers who are subject to a regional COVID-19 Proclamation but who do not require a visa, such as ESTA travelers (i.e., those traveling on the Visa Waiver Program), should also follow the guidance on the nearest Embassy or Consulate’s website for how to request consideration for a … EVP updated the Current Programs FAQ on the ECA COVID-19 page with the following new FAQs: NO WAIVER OF REDESIGNATION OBLIGATION: Does the Department of State plan to postpone or waive the requirement to apply for redesignation or to pay the associated redesignation fee due to the financial hardship that sponsors may face due to COVID-19 or due to the suspension of certain programs pursuant to the recent Presidential Proclamation? No, admission cannot be guaranteed, and enrollment is limited. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has significantly disrupted Americans' livelihoods. 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)). Travel advice for J1 students. The Department recognized that its decision to extend all programs based on program end date criteria would result in the reactivation of the records of certain exchange visitors who are no longer pursuing program objectives. 300 Fore St. Portland, ME 04101