US Eases Immigration Path for J-1 Visa Holders from India and Other Nations
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In a significant development, the US Department of State has removed the two-year home residency requirement for J-1 visa holders from 37 countries, including India and China. This change, effective immediately, is aimed at retaining international talent in critical sectors such as technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
The revised Exchange Visitor Skills List, updated for the first time in 15 years, now excludes countries like Brazil, South Korea, and the UAE. As a result, J-1 visa holders from these nations can now explore other immigration pathways in the US without requiring a waiver.
Jill Allen Murray, NAFSA’s Deputy Executive Director of Public Policy, welcomed the update, emphasising that it would enhance the US’s ability to retain top global talent. This adjustment is widely seen as a strategic move to strengthen national competitiveness by simplifying the process for skilled workers to remain in the country.
The policy change also has retroactive application, meaning individuals who entered the US on a J-1 visa before 9 December 2024 are exempt from the two-year rule if their country is no longer included on the updated Skills List.
This revision is expected to provide greater flexibility for J-1 visa holders from India and other affected countries, enabling them to apply more easily for skilled worker visas or green cards.
The State Department has committed to reviewing the Skills List every three years to ensure it reflects the evolving global landscape and supports the development of skilled workforces in priority areas.
NAFSA continues to advocate for further reforms to facilitate the retention of international talent in the United States.
Source: SHIKSHA
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