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ARTICLE · 06 JANUARY 2015

New J-1 Visa Provisions Effective January 5, 2015

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.
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Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C.

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In October 2014, the Department of State amended Subpart A of the J exchange visitor regulations.

United StatesImmigration
Susan Cohen
Susan Cohen
Danielle Lifrieri
Danielle Lifrieri
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In October 2014, the Department of State ("DOS") amended Subpart A of the J exchange visitor regulations. These new regulations go into effect in 2015 and apply to all exchange visitor programs and program categories. There are two primary changes that will directly affect J-1 applicants:

  1. New testing and documentation requirements for English language proficiency (effective January 5, 2015)
  2. Increased insurance coverage amounts (effective May 15, 2015)

Additional rule changes will affect the sponsor organizations and their management of J-1 programs.

English Language Proficiency

Currently, J-1 exchange program sponsors are required to determine that participants possess "sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in his or her program." However, the rule did not previously specify how this evaluation should or would be accomplished. The amended rule added language stating that "an objective measurement" must be used to evaluate

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