The US Department of State greatly enhanced the Exchange Visitor Skills List to the advantage of around 34 countries such as India, China, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia that are J-1 visa holders. It was their first update in 15 years, and this attempt by the US will try to make U.S. immigration policies look much more relevant to global needs.
The Exchange Visitor Skills List refers to
The Skills List identifies countries and fields of expertise that are critical for their development. Previously, J-1 visa holders whose skills were on this list had to return to their home countries for two years before applying for other U.S. visas. This ensured their home nations benefited from their knowledge.
What Changed?
The updated list eliminates most countries, including China and India, because they no longer qualify for the mandatory home residency requirement. However, the Philippines, for instance, is retained on the list due to developmental needs.
Benefits for J-1 Visa Holders
J-1 visa holders from removed countries no longer have to return home two years after their U.S. programs, unless other conditions such as government funding apply. They can now transition to other visas such as H-1B or apply for green cards much more easily.
Benefits to Employers
The home residency requirement no longer delays the hiring of qualified workers in these countries. Specifically, such changes will boost the interest of health-care, engineering, and IT industries among others.
Going Forward
This change is effective right now; however, it could get reversed upon legislative review. If passed, it does not harm the existing applications, but future ones would become problematic in the future. The change affects J-1 holders, as well as employers and provides them with more opportunities within the labor force of America.
