U.S. Department of State Updates the Exchange Visitor Skills List
On December 9, 2024, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) updated the Exchange Visitor Skills List for the first time since 2009.
The result is that many exchange visitors will no longer be required to fulfill the two-year home-country physical presence requirement (also known as 212(e)) after they complete their program. The elimination of this requirement or the need to apply for a waiver will clear the immigration pathway significantly for certain skilled workers to continue contributing their talents to U.S. business and innovation after the conclusion of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. However, please note that those receiving governmental funding from the U.S. or their home countries, along with those receiving graduate medical education or training in the U.S., remain subject to 212(e).
More information about this change and the Exchange Visitor Skill List can be found at the U.S. Federal Register and the U.S. Department of State. Any UIC-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitor or administrator with questions can connect with an OIS advisor at oisj1@uic.edu. Non-UIC-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are encouraged to connect with their program sponsor directly.
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If you have questions about this announcement, please connect with OIS at ois@uic.edu or (312) 996-3121 during our regular office hours of Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.