1. J-1 Updates Houston Forum | Fall 2016
Jenny J. Brydon
Rice University

2. J-1 Updates Overview SEVIS Release 6.27 (July 2016)
DoS Guidance Directive
DoS Guidance Directive
DoS Reposting Sanctioned Sponsor List
Additional DoS Updates
Advice from Dr, Adria Baker, PDSO

3. J-1 Updates: SEVIS Releases

4. J-1 Updates: SEVIS Releases
SEVIS Release 6.27 (July 2016)
CIP Table Widget
Lists can be sorted by columns
Simpler method for data entry for DS-2019
Ability to modify EV’s program end date for transferred J-1 records
Updated online user manuals

5. J-1 Updates: Guidance Directive
22 CFR PART 62 – SEVIS FUNCTIONS: PROPER USE OF “SHORTEN” AND “TERMINATE” EXCHANGE PROGRAMS
In December 2015, SEVIS Update 6.23 removed the “End Program” function in Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and revised the “Shorten Program” function. Regulations at 22 CFR § require sponsors to notify the Department via SEVIS of the program status of an exchange visitor, including any withdrawal from, early completion of, or termination of an exchange visitor’s program.

6. J-1 Updates: Guidance Directive
Guidance Directive FAM – VISA REVOCATION The Department would like to bring to your attention a policy implemented on November 5, 2015, which requires consular officers to prudentially revoke (i.e., without making a determination that the individual is inadmissible) nonimmigrant visas of individuals arrested for, or convicted of, driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, or similar arrests/convictions, that occurred within the previous five years, as detailed in 9 FAM (A). This requirement does not apply when the arrest/conviction occurred prior to the date of the visa application and has already been assessed within the context of a visa application.

7. J-1 Updates: DoS Re-posting the Sanctioned Sponsor List
On or about November 15, 2016, the Department intends to resume its practice of posting on its Exchange Visitor Program website (J1Visas.state.gov) instances in which the Department has exercised its authority, pursuant to 22 CFR § 62.50, to impose sanctions on an individual sponsor. The posting will include the following elements: • Sponsor name; • Affected program category • Date of imposition; • Nature of the sanctions; and, • List of the regulatory provision(s) the Department has found the sponsor to have violated.
DoS welcomes feedback before October 14, Comments are anonymous and will be kept confidential. DoS is working on website…will include more information on the compliance and sanction processes.

8. J-1 Updates: DoS
Department of State’s Office of Private Sector Exchange Administration’s Academic and Government Programs Unit (OPA-AG) Updates
New Staff: Amanda Pascal, Carolina Peña, and Kati Garrison.
Incident Reporting Rubric
Clarifying the Difference between The Office of Designation Academic and Government Programs (D-AG) and The Office of Private Sector Exchange Administration Academic and Government Programs (OPA-AG)

9. J-1 Updates

11. The Office of Designation Academic and Government Programs (D-AG)
Responsible for:
Reviewing designation and re-designation applications
Reviewing annual reports to acknowledge, assist, and to resolve sponsor’s issues or concerns to administer a successful program
Assisting sponsors with J-visa related inquiries and requests for change of category, extension, reinstatements, or permission to issue
Providing daily outreach to assist sponsors and to evaluate the effectiveness of program categories
Reviewing program requests:
Adding officials
Amendments
DS-2019 allotments
Other matters regarding program administration
Pay.gov
Contact:

12. Contact: AGalert@state.gov
The Office of Private Sector Exchange Administration Academic and Government Programs (OPA-AG)
Monitors and enforces full compliance with Department regulations and policies with a focus on exchange visitors’ health, safety, and well-being; and responds to complaints and incidents.
Sponsors must promptly (on or before the next business day) notify the Department of any investigations of an exchange visitor’s site of activity or any serious problem or controversy that could be expected to bring the Department of State, the Exchange Visitor Program, or the sponsor’s exchange visitor program into notoriety or disrepute, to include: [22 CFR 62.13(d)]
Potential litigation related to a sponsor’s exchange visitor program, in which the exchange visitor may be a named party
Death of an exchange visitor
Serious injury of an exchange visitor
Sexual abuse allegations
Exchange visitors or third parties may contact OPA-AG to file a complaint.
Contact:

13. J-1 Updates: Region III Conference
From: Couch, Leanne Sent: Monday, October 03, :14 AM To: Subject: [NAFSA Region 3] Call for Questions- U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, & U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection Update
At this time, we are seeking questions or issues to share with Department of State and Customs and Border Protection in advance of the presentation at the bi-regional conference. We encourage comments from practitioners at all types of schools and with all levels of experience. Please send questions to Leanne Couch at by October 14th.
As a reminder, if you see a trend or issue at any time, please submit it to “Report an Issue” via IssueNet. The IssueNet website is:

14. J-1 Updates: Tips from Dr. Adria Baker, PDSO
Bookmark the NAFSA Resources website.
Redesignation and Program Compliance.
Don’t get discouraged!
Give yourself extra time,
Don’t depend on SEVIS Alerts to remind you about Redesignation.
Ami Frey and the Office of Designation team are really helpful when you have questions.
Annual Report: Describe in detail how your campus addresses insurance, compliance, cultural activities, etc.
Interested in being on the National EV Subcommittee? Contact
How is Subpart A impacting your campus/office?