Can J-1 Academic Training Be Authorized During a Government Shutdown?
Academic Training for J-1 students continues during shutdowns because RO/ARO approvals are school-managed and SEVIS remains fee-funded. Students…
Do J-1 Visa Stamp Appointments Cancel During a U.S. Shutdown?
J-1 visa stamp appointments continue during the 2025 shutdown because consular services are fee-funded. Valid J-1 stamps allow…
J-1 DS-2019 Issuance by Sponsors Continues in Shutdown
During a shutdown, sponsoring organizations keep issuing DS-2019s and SEVIS stays active; USCIS processes fee-funded cases including J-2…
DHS Proposes Fixed Admission Period for F-1, J-1, I Visas
DHS proposed ending D/S for F-1, J-1, and I visa holders, replacing it with fixed admission through the…
Understanding J-1 Waiver Attorney Fees and Payment Options in 2025
J-1 waivers require a DOS recommendation (Form DS-3035) and a USCIS decision. Expect attorney fees of $2,800–$5,000+, DOS…
J-1 Waiver Costs: Attorney Fees and Government Fees Explained
In 2025, J-1 waiver costs usually fall between $1,500 and $7,000+, combining attorney fees ($1,200–$5,000+) and government filing…
U.S. Proposes Fixed Admission Periods for F-1, J-1, I Visas
DHS’s 2025 proposal would replace Duration of Status with fixed admission periods: F-1/J-1 up to four years and…
Michigan Conrad-30 and HHS Waivers for J-1 Physicians (2025-2026)
Michigan’s Conrad-30 (30-slot cap) opens Sept. 2025–Nov. 2025; both it and the year-round HHS Clinical-Care Waiver require three-year,…
Russia Rolls Out Fully Domestic SJ-100, Completes Maiden Flight in April 2025
The fully domestic SJ-100 (airframe 97003) flew its 40-minute maiden flight on April 23, 2025, testing PD-8 engines…
Explained: What Is the J-1 Visa and Harvard’s Federal Scrutiny?
Harvard’s 2025 suspension from sponsoring J-1 visas follows federal allegations about security, foreign ties, and reporting failures. With…
Why the US Is Targeting Harvard’s J-1 Visa Program in Political Tensions
Harvard’s J-1 visa program came under US government investigation in July 2025, following SEVP certification revocation in May.…
5 Essential Tips for Transferring from J-1 to H-1B Visa Status
To change from J-1 to H-1B visa, confirm if the two-year residency applies or obtain a waiver, find…
8 Essential Documents Required for J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
To obtain a J-1 visa, applicants must secure Form DS-2019, submit required documents, complete DS-160 and SEVIS fee…
US Revives Trump-Era Plan to Limit F-1 and J-1 Visa Durations
The U.S. proposes fixed two- or four-year limits for F-1 and J-1 visas from mid-2025, requiring extensions for…