New J-1 Visa Regulations in Effect
Updated May 8, 2012
Important changes to government regulations
The U.S. Department of State has announced new rules governing J-1 Work & Travel USA participants. These rules mean that it is more important than ever that businesses hiring J-1 students work closely with a J-1 sponsor like CIEE.
CIEE will make it easy for you to comply with the new regulations. Call us today at
1-866-609-CIEE
What do you need to know about the new regulations?
Remember that J-1 students are on a cultural exchange program. It is important that students have access to opportunities (inside and outside of work) to learn about American life and culture.
As a result of the new rules, CIEE has adopted a new list of prohibited jobs, effective immediately.
All J-1 students who are not from Visa Waiver countries must have a confirmed job before their visa interview. Some 85% of J-1 participants are affected, meaning that businesses must hire early in order to ensure their staffing.
Sponsors also have an expanded set of obligations under the new regulations. Important among these is a new requirement to conduct a monthly check-in with J-1 participants.
Additionally, the regulations require that sponsors place students only with employers that agree to cooperate with a set of guidelines regarding hours, pay, housing, transportation and communication with the sponsor. CIEE will make it easy for you to comply with these guidelines.
How did the new regulations come about?
There have been some concerns voiced about the quality of the program since a handful of negative articles appeared in the press.
Sponsors are responsible for screening and selecting J-1 participants, providing orientation, vetting job placements, ensuring that students have opportunities to engage in cultural activities and monitoring participants’ health, safety and welfare. The new rules are intended to enforce a minimum standard related to these areas.
CIEE holds itself to a higher standard for the health, safety and welfare of our J-1 participants than that called for in the regulations. We support regulations that seek to raise the minimum level of program quality for all J-1 Work & Travel USA participants. We believe that a well-run J-1 program enhances U.S. public diplomacy.
COUNTRIES IMPACTED
All countries except Visa Waiver countries — 85% of J-1 Work & Travel USA participants.
A JOB OFFER IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO VISA INTERVIEW
Students from these countries must have a job offer that has been confirmed by a sponsoring organization BEFORE the student can apply for a visa.
NEW DEADLINES
Because of these requirements, employers and J-1 students must get a head start on the hiring and visa application process. CIEE urges you to make all of your job offers by February (for summer 2012 arrivals), August (for winter 2012/13 arrivals), and October (for spring 2013 arrivals).
CONTACT A CIEE REPRESENTATIVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW REGULATIONS