Mark A Ivener, A Law Corporation

Category: J Visas


CLIENT UPDATE: IMPORTANT CHANGES TO U.S. VISA APPOINTMENTS AND SCREENING IN 2025

If you or someone in your family is applying for a U.S. visa in 2025, there are several important updates you should know about. The U.S. government has made changes that affect how student visas are processed, how interviews are scheduled, and how long your case might take. Below is a clear summary of what’s… Read More

Employer Personally Liable for Back Wages, Costs of Obtaining J-1 Waivers and H-1B Visas

It has been the position of the Department of Labor for some time that the legal fees and filing fees to obtain H-1B visas are an employer expense. However, a recent case expanded the employer’s responsibility to include the cost of obtaining a J-1 waiver. On August 20, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals… Read More

State Dept. Announces J-1 On-Site Inspections

The Department of State recently emailed J-1 exchange visitor sponsors to announce that it plans to conduct on-site inspections of J-1 internships and training programs. The visits may be both planned and unannounced. J-1 inspectors may want to speak with responsible officers, supervisors, employees, trainees, and interns, and to inspect facilities, housing, and health insurance… Read More

CBP Discontinues Admission Stamps on Forms for F, M, J International Students and Scholars

As of August 10, 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) no longer provides admission stamps on Forms I-20/DS-2019 for prospective and returning international students and scholars (traveling on F, M, and J visas) seeking admission to the United States. CBP said this change makes CBP processes consistent with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS)… Read More

U.S. Embassy in London Discusses Visa Availability for Olympics, Expansion of Visa Reissuance Program for H-1, H-4 Applicants

The U.S. Embassy in London recently released a notification of limited nonimmigrant visa services during the Olympics and an expansion of the Visa Reissuance Program to include H-1 and H-4 visa applicants. The embassy noted that visa services will be limited during July and August for all nonimmigrant visa categories. The embassy encourages applicants “to… Read More