J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List Updated, Retroactively

On December 9, the Department of State (DOS) released an updated version of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Skills List, reducing the number of countries for which the list would apply. The Federal Register Notice notes that the change is retroactive, therefore, individuals who are presently in J-1 status who are subject to the 2 year home residency based on their home country are no longer subject to this restriction if their home country has been removed from the list.

Notably China, India, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, and more than 20 other countries have been removed. Those who are no longer subject to the 2 year requirement may now be able to change status to any nonimmigrant visa status, obtain H-1B, L-1 status, or pursue permanent residence, unless they are subject to the home-residency requirement on another basis.