USDA Drops Out of J-1 Visa Waiver Program
March 22, 2002 - The United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to
end its participation in the J-1 Visa waiver program. Under
the J-1 visa program, individuals are required to return to
their home country for at least two years before they are
eligible to apply for re-entry into the United States. Individuals
may apply for a waiver of this requirement under certain circumstances,
such as physicians being sponsored by a government agency
to practice in an underserved area. The USDA sponsors approximately
400 J-1 Visa waivers each year. The USDA cited its lack of
authority to conduct adequate background checks on visa waiver
applicants as the reason for discontinuing its participation
in the program. Several other federal agencies and state departments
of health continue to serve as sponsoring agencies for J-1
Visa waivers.
Information:
Jonathan Fishburn, Director, Research, Education and Veterans' Legislative Affairs
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
jfishburn@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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