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Indian students on J-1 visa to benefit after major US policy shift
Effective Dec.9, 2024, many exchange visitors will be exempted from the two-year home-country return requirement.
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Visa file photo / Courtesy Photo
In a move to strengthen the US economy and enhance its global competitiveness, the US Department of State introduced significant updates to the Exchange Visitor Skills List on Dec. 9.
This modernized Skills List is expected to ease visa procedures and enable qualified foreign workers to continue contributing their expertise to U.S. businesses and innovation.
Effective from Dec. 9, 2024, the new changes will exempt many exchange visitors, including research scholars and highly skilled professionals, from the previously required two-year home-country physical presence mandate upon completion of their programs.
To preview the announcement, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma met with industry and higher education leaders to discuss the updates and the continued importance of foreign talent in the U.S. economy.
This significant policy change has made it easier for Indian students on J-1 visas to remain in the country after completing their studies. Previously, J-1 visa holders from designated countries, including India, were required to return to their home countries for two years after finishing their programs in the U.S.
However, under the new revision, this two-year home-country residence requirement will no longer apply to most J-1 visa holders. As a result, only individuals from 27 countries will remain subject to this mandate.
This list identifies specialized knowledge and skills deemed critical for the development of certain foreign countries. The update, the first since 2009, is set to streamline the visa process for foreign workers and researchers in key sectors such as technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
While the update aims to facilitate legitimate travel and talent retention, the Department of State emphasized that safeguarding U.S. borders and national security remains a top priority. The changes are expected to help American employers retain top U.S.-trained talent, fostering long-term prosperity and innovation in the country.
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