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ARTICLE · 26 OCTOBER 2023

Policy Update To Foreign Residency Requirement For J-1 Exchange Visitors

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On Oct. 24, 2023, U. S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated policy guidance to its Policy Manual regarding the two-year foreign residence requirement...

United StatesImmigration
Amanda L. Carney
Amanda L. Carney

On Oct. 24, 2023, U. S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued updated policy guidance to its Policy Manual regarding the two-year foreign residence requirement for the nonimmigrant exchange visitor (J) visa classification.

The J-1 visa classification is for exchange visitors who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or receiving graduate medical education or training. Certain J-1 exchange visitors are subject to a foreign residence requirement, mandating they live and be physically present in their country of nationality or last legal residence abroad for an aggregate of at least two years before they are eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, or a nonimmigrant H, L, or K visa.

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