Knowledge Hub: Impacts of Executive Actions and FAQ for Participants and Host Organizations 

UPDATE: January 14, 2026

The State Department issued a statement that as of January 21, 2026, a pause will be placed on immigrant visa issuance in 75 countries while they reassess immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.  Cultural Vistas has confirmation from various sources that this does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as J, F, or H visas.

UPDATE : January 13, 2026

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced January 1, 2026 a hold on all pending benefit applications from aliens listed in the December 16 Presidential Proclamation (travel ban) until a comprehensive review can take place.  Additionally, a re-review of approved benefit requests that were approved since January 2021 will be completed.  This means that applications for Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) for J-2 spouse or children are on hold or will be re-reviewed when submitted by or for aliens from the high-risk countries identified in PP 10998.  This refers to aliens with a nationality, country of birth, or aliens who have acquired Citizenship by Investment (CBI) from countries listed in PP 10998 or those traveling on a Palestinian-Authority-issued document.  J-1 participants are not affected by this update since they do not apply with USCIS for any benefit in order to participate in the J-1 program.  Work Authorization for J-1 participants is inherit in their J-1 Visa but J-2s must apply for an EAD if they wish to work.

UPDATE: December 16, 2025

The Presidential Proclamation from December 16, 2025 restricts travel from additional countries effective January 1, 2026. The Proclamation can be found here.

The Proclamation continues the full suspension of entry for nationals of the original 12 countries designated under Proclamation 10949: Afghanistan, Burma (Myanmar), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.

The Proclamation adds full entry restrictions for nationals of the following countries: Burkina Faso, Laos, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria. It also imposes full entry restrictions on individuals traveling on Palestinian Authority–issued travel documents.

The Proclamation continues partial entry restrictions for nationals of:
Burundi, Cuba, Togo, and Venezuela. With respect to Turkmenistan, the Proclamation removes non-immigrant visa restrictions based on improved cooperation with the United States; however, the immigrant visa suspension remains in place.

The following countries have been added to the partial-restriction list: Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Under the Proclamation:

• A full ban suspends entry into the United States as both immigrants and nonimmigrants.
• A partial ban suspends entry as immigrants and as nonimmigrants in the B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visa categories.
  Consular officers are additionally instructed to reduce the validity of other nonimmigrant visas to the extent permitted by law.

The Proclamation includes exceptions, including for individuals who hold valid visas issued prior to the effective date, as well as other standard statutory and discretionary exceptions.

UPDATE: June 9, 2025, the proclamation restricts travel from certain countries due to national security concerns. It fully bans entry from 12 countries (Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen) and partially restricts travelers from 7 others (Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela). Exceptions apply for U.S. permanent residents, existing visa holders, and those with national interest waivers

Update: October 20, 2025

As a J-1 exchange visitor, it is important to be proactive in knowing your rights. You can:

1. Familiarize yourself with your rights.
2. Keep a copy of your Cultural Vistas’ emergency phone number or an emergency contact’s phone number easily accessible in case you need to reach out.
3. Download a Know Your Rights card or a Know Your Rights app to your phone.
4. Share this information on Immigration and Customs Enforcement with your emergency contacts
5. As always, follow federal, state and local laws and remain in compliance with the J-1 program at all times.

Update: October 9, 2025

E-Verify resumed operations. Employers should follow prompts from the E-Verify system to create cases for employees who began when E-Verify was not available.

Update: October 1, 2025

We will be able to continue issuing DS-2019 Forms during the shutdown as SEVIS, the government database that houses participant and program information, is funded through fees and will remain online.

Consular Affairs staff at US Consulates and Embassies are primarily funded through fees, not appropriated funds from Congress; their services should continue as usual. But depending on the duration of the shutdown, visa appointments and issuance might move at a slower speed or be reduced. You can monitor your chosen Consulate here. For full details on U.S. Department of State operations during a shutdown, please visit this link.

US Customs and Border Protection functions are deemed essential and will continue during the shutdown. There may be longer wait times passing through Immigration during the shutdown.

The Social Security Administration will continue processing applications for Social Security numbers, but expect delays.

E-Verify will be taken offline during a shutdown. Employers should continue to perform I-9 verification for new employees, and once the E-Verify system is back online, submit the E-Verify cases for the new hires. During past shutdowns, the USCIS waived the three-day rule, which required employers to submit E-Verify cases, and the cases needed to be submitted once the system was back online.

Update: September 9, 2025

The U.S. Department of State announced new guidance to apply for nonimmigrant visas, including the J-1, only in your country of nationality or residency.  Previously, applicants may have selected a U.S. consulate in another country, often seeking earlier visa appointments or where their country of nationality or residence does not have a visa issuing post, though this practice was not universally accepted by consulates.  Now, such applicants, often called Third Country Nationals, may face additional hurdles in obtaining a visa.

Who is impacted by this?

Anyone who applies for a J-1 Visa who is not in their country of nationality or residence.  The announcement did not define resident, and we are seeking more information on how students studying outside their country of nationality could be affected.

What does this mean for visa applicants?

• Those who have applied in a country other than their own may be asked for proof of residency. 
• Nationals whose country does not offer non-immigrant visa operations must apply at specific locations listed in the announcement.
• For third-country national applicants (TCN) who apply:
  • Anyone who already had an appointment will “generally” not be cancelled.
  • Applicants should note that visa application fees will not be refunded or transferred if they choose to cancel an existing appointment.
  • Wait times for appointments will likely be “significantly longer,” and these applicants may find it “more difficult to qualify for the visa”.

Update: August 28, 2025.

On August 28^th, a Federal Register notice has been issued putting into place the increased Form I-94 fee effective September 30, 2025 authorized by H.R.1.

• The fee of $24 is in addition to the existing $6 fee, totaling $30USD for Provisional I-94 Records when entering the US via land or select ferry port of entries.
• If individuals apply for the Provisional I-94 online in advance of their land entry into the US, they would be subject to this fee. This does not impact air travelers.  
• For additional details, you can visit the I-94 site here.

Update: July 30, 2025

On July 22, 2025, USCIS published a Federal Register notice to implement the collection of certain fees authorized by H.R.1. This notice states that the Visa Integrity Fee and the Form I-94 Fee will be implemented through a future publication. At this time, these fees are NOT being collected, as DHS and other cross-agency coordination needs to occur for implementation. We will continue to monitor and provide updates on the implementation of these fees. 

Update: July 10, 2025

On July 4, 2025, the U.S. government enacted H.R.1 (the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”), introducing new immigration fees that may impact J-1 Intern and Trainee exchange programs:

• Visa Integrity Fee: A non-waivable fee of at least $250, due at the time of J-1 or J-2 visa issuance. A refund may be possible for participants who fully comply with visa terms, though reimbursement details are still pending.
• Form I-94 Fee: A minimum $24 fee is charged when applying for the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record, typically upon entry to the U.S. This record is essential for maintaining J-1 status. The collection process and applicability to air travelers are still being clarified.

These new fees are in addition to existing visa application and program fees and are expected to be implemented soon. Participants and host organizations should prepare for potential changes in program costs and timelines. 

Currently, J-1 participants are admitted for “duration of status” (D/S), rather than a fixed end date, which simply means the date by which they need to depart the U.S. is determined by the program period listed on their DS-2019 as issued by the visa sponsor.  Many J-1 participants enter the U.S. and then later decide to extend their stay.  Currently, the J-1 sponsor has the ability to extend the J-1 program period and amend the DS-2019 which effectively extends their authorized period of admission without further steps.   

Under the DHS proposal, all J-1 exchange visitors would be admitted for a fixed stay according to the end date on the DS-2019, not to exceed 4 years.  To remain beyond that initial period, participants who choose to extend their program would need to file an Extension of Stay (EOS) application with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) after receiving an extension from the sponsor, adding new costs, paperwork, and uncertainty.  This change effectively reduces the automatic program flexibility and shifts extension authority away from program sponsors to DHS. This rule is proposed, meaning it will go through a public comment and review process before any final version takes effect.

Update: July 17, 2025

Since the lifting of the visa interview pause, securing appointments at U.S. embassies and consulates has been challenging in several locations. In Japan, scheduling remains difficult. In India, the U.S. Embassy has indicated that students and exchange visitors without existing appointments may not be able to secure interviews this summer. In Canada, scheduling at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto also remains difficult, with some non-Canadian applicants reporting the earliest available appointment as late as February 2026 for programs scheduled to begin this fall.

We are closely monitoring these developments and strongly encourage applicants in these regions to request an expedited appointment. These concerns have been raised with the Alliance for International Exchange, which is actively advocating on behalf of program sponsors with both Consular Affairs and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

Update: June 18, 2025

U.S. embassies and consulates have been directed to resume scheduling interviews for F, M, and J visa applicants. However, applicants should be aware that interview availability may be adjusted to accommodate the increased workload associated with new screening requirements.

The State Department has expanded its vetting protocols to include a review of all applicants’ social media and online presence. Under the updated directive, consular officers will assess for potential national security concerns, including expressions of hostility toward the U.S., support for terrorism or the Hamas militant group, and unlawful antisemitic activity. The update reflects a broader implementation of enhanced screening measures for educational visa applicants. 

Update: May 30, 2025

• U.S. Department of State officials have publicly stated that the pause in F, M, and J visa appointments will be short, but are not giving a more specific timeline.
• The Department of State has explained the pause as an opportunity for embassies to implement more robust social media screening and that as soon as embassies make those adjustments appointments will open again. It is not yet clear when guidance will go to embassies as to what the adjustments are and how long it will take them to make these adjustments.
• The Department of State says that prospective participants should continue to submit (DS-160) applications.

Update: May 27, 2025

Cultural Vistas is aware of reports that the administration has ordered U.S. embassies and consular sections to temporarily pause the scheduling of new interviews for F, M, and J student or exchange visitor visa applicants. According to reports, further guidance should be available in the coming days on expanded social media vetting, which we hope resumes J visa appointment availability.

In the meantime, we are continuing to process visa sponsorship applications as usual. We strongly advise all participants to continue checking for visa appointment openings daily once you have received your DS-2019 to secure an interview slot as soon as they become available. You can also monitor updates from U.S embassies and consulates for your location.

Should this delay prevent you from beginning your program as planned, Cultural Vistas will work with you on adjusting your start date accordingly. Please reach out to your Visa Specialist, if you need to adjust your program dates.

Participants who already have a visa appointment scheduled should be able to proceed as planned. Additionally, this should not affect Canadian citizens entering the U.S. from Canada as visa appointment are not required.

We will provide further updates on all developments and changes made by the current administration here on our knowledge hub. 

Participants entering the U.S. 

J-1 visa holders, along with other visa holders, may face increased scrutiny and potential delays at U.S. ports of entry, including more questioning, secondary inspections, and searches of electronic devices, as part of a broader trend of heightened immigration enforcement.  

Heightened Scrutiny: Immigration officers may conduct more thorough inspections and ask additional questions about travel history, purpose, and ties to the home country.  

Secondary Inspections: Even with a valid visa, you could be subjected to a secondary inspection, which may lead to longer wait times.  

Searches of Electronic Devices: Be prepared for officers to request a search of your phone, laptop, or other electronic devices.  

Specific Questions to Expect: Officers may ask about your previous visits to the U.S., your occupation in your home country, how you are funding your trip, and your intentions for your stay.

These additional resources may be helpful for you in preparing for your arrival:

US Arrival Travel Guidance for Foreign Students and Exchange Visitors- Harvard University

Enforcement at the Airport- ACLU

Participants applying for a J-1 visa 

According to a diplomatic cable issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on March 26, 2025, the U.S. State Department now requires consular officers to review social media accounts for all applicants of F, M, and J visa programs. 

• Social media content is reviewed for any signs of support for terrorism, extremist organizations, or “conduct that bears a hostile attitude toward U.S. citizens or U.S. culture (including government, institutions, or founding principles).” 
• Sharing, liking, or reposting content that could be interpreted as endorsing violence or illegal activities—even indirectly—can result in visa denial or revocation. 
• This review applies to both public and historical posts. 

Consular officers have also been instructed to perform enhanced social media vetting for any visa applicants who held a student or exchange visa between October 7, 2023, and August 31, 2024, or whose visa was terminated between October 7, 2023 and the present. 

Participants entering the U.S. 

J-1 visa holders, along with other visa holders, may face increased scrutiny and potential delays at U.S. ports of entry, including more questioning, secondary inspections, and searches of electronic devices, as part of a broader trend of heightened immigration enforcement.  

Heightened Scrutiny: Immigration officers may conduct more thorough inspections and ask additional questions about travel history, purpose, and ties to the home country.  

Secondary Inspections: Even with a valid visa, you could be subjected to a secondary inspection, which may lead to longer wait times.  

Searches of Electronic Devices: Be prepared for officers to request a search of your phone, laptop, or other electronic devices.  

Specific Questions to Expect: Officers may ask about your previous visits to the U.S., your occupation in your home country, how you are funding your trip, and your intentions for your stay.

Exchange Visitors in the U.S.

This directive also applies to individuals currently in the U.S. on F, J, or M visas. If a consular officer identifies social media activity that may violate this directive, they are instructed to refer the case to the Visa Office for review and potential revocation of the visa. 

All J-1 visa holders should carry the following with them: 

• One form of official government ID (original copy) 
• Digital copies of passport, visa, DS-2019 or I-9, I-94 arrival information, SEVIS number, and a letter from program/sponsor/employer/university 
• Medical insurance card/information 
• Emergency contact and information 

Use caution when traveling outside of the country, as re-entry to the U.S. is always subject to screening and at the discretion of Customs and Border Protection. 

Don’t Wait: Begin applications as soon as possible due to potential appointment delays at U.S. Consulates and Embassies. 

Review Compliance Practices: Continue to operate your programs based on the approved training plans that you submitted to Cultural Vistas during the application process.  Any changes to the program need to be reported to us in advance in order to make the necessary updates to any J-1 Visa records.

Stay Informed: Subscribe to updates from Cultural Vistas and other exchange organizations to stay ahead of potential regulatory changes. 

It may be possible that there will be increased scrutiny at the border.  

Exchange visitors should use caution when deciding to travel, as re-entry to the U.S. is always subject to screening and at the discretion of Customs and Border Protection.  Additionally, if you need to apply for a new visa to return to the U.S., there is no guarantee of approval, and every application is subject to review by a consular officer.

Please note that when traveling outside of the United States, you will need to carry the following documents and should expect to present these upon reentry to the U.S.:   

1. Your passport  
2. Double-sided Printed copy of the DS-2019 form 
3. Printout of your I-94 record (an electronic copy can be accessed here if you were not provided with a paper card upon entry to the U.S) 

Reminder: Always Keep Your J-1 Visa Documentation On Hand!

As a J-1 participant, it’s important to always carry your DS-2019, I-94, and passport with you at all times. Keep them easily accessible to ensure you’re prepared for any situation that may occur. Make it a habit to check that you have them before heading out the door!

J-1 participants traveling outside of the U.S. must inform the Cultural Vistas Participant Experience Team via the Travel Authorization Request form.

Please note that no new international travel requests for the 2024-25 inbound CBYX students will be approved. 

Read More: USCIS Alien Registration Info

J-1 Visa holders issued an I-94 at the border upon entry to the U.S. are already considered registered and will not need to take further action under the new online registration process launched April 11, 2025.

Children (J-2 visa holders) who have been in the country for 30 days or more and are turning 14 – whether previously registered or not – are generally required to register or re-register within 30 days after turning 14 and to undergo fingerprinting. Specific guidance for children turning 14 is as follows:

• If your child entered on a visa, they are considered registered at the time of the visa application. However, even children who are considered registered must re-register when they turn 14, unless they are eligible for an exemption. As such, your child is likely subject to the requirement to re-register, and it is therefore recommended that they undergo the online registration process upon turning 14.
• Children under 14 years old who entered the United States with a visa or were issued an I-94 are not required to register.

As a reminder, please ensure that you always carry your immigration documents (passport, visa, DS-2019, and I-94) and that your J-2 dependents do the same.

No. Beginning September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State is updating its interview waiver eligibility for nonimmigrant visas. Under the new policy, interview waivers will only apply to certain B visa renewals and Border Crossing Cards for Mexican nationals, provided strict criteria are met. This update removes the previous provision allowing interview waivers for applicants who held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to reapplying. As a result, J-1 visa applicants will no longer be eligible for an interview waiver and should plan to attend an in-person interview.

For full details, visit Interview Waiver Update – July 25, 2025.