On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of State announced significant updates to the Exchange Visitor Skills List. These changes remove countries such as Brazil, China, India, and South Korea from the list, creating new opportunities for J-1 visa holders to pursue their careers or immigration paths in the United States without the previously...
Category: J-1 Visa
How Trump’s Potential Return Could Impact Business Immigration
As speculation grows about a potential Trump administration comeback, employers and employees must prepare for possible changes to U.S. business immigration policies. The previous administration introduced significant restrictions, and similar measures may resurface, impacting industries nationwide.
Key Expected Changes: Stricter Visa...Can Employers Recoup Visa Sponsorship Costs? A Closer Look at Repayment Agreements
Hiring highly skilled foreign workers is sometimes the only way for companies to fill critical roles, especially in fields like technology, engineering, and science. However, the cost of sponsoring these employees for work visas and permanent residency can add up quickly. So, what happens if the employee resigns shortly after the company...

Overcoming the J-1 Visa Two-Year Residency Requirement When Marrying a U.S. Citizen
Immigration processes can often feel like navigating a maze, and this is especially true for those on a J-1 visa who are subject to the two-year residency requirement. This rule can become particularly challenging when a J-1 visa holder marries a U.S. citizen and wants to settle permanently in the United States....

What to Do Next: Navigating Post-Residency Steps for International Medical Graduates
Completing a medical residency in the United States is a monumental achievement for international medical graduates (IMGs). However, transitioning from residency to practicing medicine or furthering your career in the U.S. involves several critical steps, especially if you're looking to secure a Green Card. Here's a structured approach to help IMGs navigate...
New USCIS Premium Processing Fees Now in Effect: A Comprehensive Guide to the 2024 Adjustments
As previously announced, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ new inflation-adjusted premium processing fees take effect today, increasing the filing fee for Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing. USCIS published a final rule announcing the change on Dec. 28, 2023.
The USCIS Stabilization Act established the current premium processing fees and...
New USCIS Guidance on J-1 Visa’s 2-Year Foreign Residence Requirement: Key Updates and Clarifications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the 2-year foreign residence requirement for the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) classification.
The update adds information about how USCIS determines whether the requirement has been met, the evidence a benefit...
New USCIS Guidance on J-1 Visa’s 2-Year Foreign Residence Requirement: Key Updates and Clarifications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the 2-year foreign residence requirement for the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) classification.
The update adds information about how USCIS determines whether the requirement has been met, the evidence a benefit...
Study in the U.S. With an Academic Visa
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to adjust fees charged by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to individuals and organizations. DHS proposes to raise the fee for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Form I-901, Fee Remittance for Certain F, J, and M Nonimmigrants, for nonimmigrants seeking to become academic...
USCIS Provides Clarifying Guidance on O-1 Nonimmigrants in Arts vs. Motion Picture and Television
On April 26, 2017, Study in the States redesigned the Stakeholder Webinars page. The redesigned page makes it easier to find and identify Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and government partner-hosted webinars by including them in one location.
With the redesign, users can filter to view...