General policyPOLICY UPDATE
Nonimmigrant Exchange Visitor (J) Visa Classification
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) visa classification, including USCIS’ role in the adjudication of waivers of the 2-year foreign residence requirement and change of status requests under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Key changes
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is issuing policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual regarding the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) visa classification, including USCIS’ role in the adjudication of waivers of the 2-year foreign residence requirement and change of status requests under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
- Provides general information about the exchange visitor (J) visa classification and explains USCIS’ role in adjudicating change of status requests and applications for employment authorization for J-2 family members.
- Explains the INA 212(e) foreign residence requirement and provides information about USCIS’ adjudication of available waivers, including for foreign medical graduates.
