🇺🇸 Study & students

The U.S. Department of State has narrowed the categories of individuals eligible for interview waivers for F-1 student visa renewals. Consequently, most F-1 students who wish to renew their visas must now schedule and attend an in-person consular interview.

The U.S. Department of State (Department) proposes the following changes under 22 CFR Part 62 for the Exchange Visitor Program: Termination of Program Participation (22 CFR 62.40): * Sponsors must terminate an exchange visitor's programme if the exchange visitor falsifies or fails to provide full and truthful responses, information, or documents during the application process or ongoing programme. * The Department may, at its discretion, terminate an exchange visitor's status if the Department or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revokes or cancels their visa with immediate effect. In such cases, the individual must immediately leave the country or risk removal. * The Department may also terminate an exchange visitor's programme if the exchange visitor falsifies or fails to provide full and truthful responses, information, or documents during the application process or ongoing programme. * Exchange visitors may challenge the Department's termination decision for unauthorised employment or falsifying information/documentation by submitting a statement in opposition within 10 business days of the Department's written notice. Challenges cannot be based on hardship or other equitable considerations. Extension of Program (22 CFR 62.43): * Processes for programme extensions, both within and beyond maximum durations, are streamlined and integrated with Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) functionalities. * A deadline is established for submitting extension requests, particularly for extensions beyond the permitted maximum duration. * The Department must receive supporting documentation for electronic extension applications submitted in SEVIS no later than three months prior to the program's end. Reinstatement to Valid Program Status (22 CFR 62.45): * Outdated requirements are eliminated, and updated procedures are introduced, leveraging current SEVIS functionality. Definitions: * New definitions for "Unauthorized Employment" and "Valid Program Status" are added to 22 CFR Part 62.