SEVIS Fee
There will be a $100 fee for exchange visitors (J-1) who are issued a Form DS- 2019 on or after September 1, 2004 . The fee is to fund the continued operation of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). WHOI will pay the fee for all prospective exchange visitors applying for a J-1 visa. WHOI departments and sponsors need to be aware that the additional time and effort needed to meet the new requirement may increase processing times. Please provide HR with sufficient advance notice regarding appointment information.
For further information see: http://www.ice.gov/graphics/news/factsheets/SEVISFactSheet.htm .
Discontinuation of Visa Stamp Re-issuance in the United States
The Department of State announced the discontinuation of visa stamp re-issuances in the U.S. after July 16, 2004.
Beginning July 17, 2004, all persons holding an H-1B or O-1 visa stamp that has expired must get those stamps extended at a consular post abroad.
To see the full text of the rule go to: http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/06jun20041800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2004/04-14245.htm
Visa Applications - Allow Ample Time!
The Department of State has issued a cable to its embassies and consular posts advising them to make every effort to issue student/exchange visitor visas as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The cable also reminds posts that students and exchange visitors are under deadlines that they cannot change and that posts can adjust their internal operations to help meet the anticipated need.
More importantly, in a time where there has been an increase in the number of name checks and Security Advisory Opinions, the State Department is encouraging all students and exchange visitors to apply for their visas early.
U.S.C.I.S. Raises Application Fees
Effective April 30, 2004, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) raised the fees on immigration benefit applications and petitions.
Fee increases will be in effect for all petitions to USCIS for immigration benefits, including petitions submitted for H-1B status, Legal Permanent Residence, Travel Authorization and Employment Authorization. For a complete listing of fee increases, see: http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/index.htm .
U.S.C.I.S. Issues New Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with Enhanced Security Features
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is issuing a new version of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD serves as proof that an individual is authorized to work in the U.S.
New security features to prevent counterfeiting and fraud include a magnetic strip, a two-dimensional barcode as well as several components that determine the card's authenticity.
You are reminded that if you need to apply for renewal of your Employment Authorization Document, you should apply at least six months before your current EAD expires.
Procedural change for TN Status for Mexican Citizens
As of January 1, 2004 the procedures for Mexican citizens to obtain TN status have changed and are now similar to those for Canadian citizens. The only difference is that Mexican citizens must first obtain a TN visa stamp in their passport from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in order to be admitted in TN status. Canadian citizens are not required to obtain a visa stamp in their passports.
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