State Dept. Releases Annual Student and Exchange Visitor Update
The Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has released the annual update of its student and exchange visitor (F, M, and J visas) issues. The cable asks posts to have a clear procedure in place for expediting F, M, and J appointments, with first-time applicants being given the highest priority. The cable also discusses summer work and travel issues, clarifies some information on Form DS-2019, and reminds posts about required annotations and the end of requirements to put DS-2019 forms in sealed envelopes. The cable also notes the changes in J-1 sponsor sanctions procedures.