International Students Alerts

Immigration Policies

We remain committed to keeping you informed about developments that may affect you. This page is dedicated to providing resources and guidance as they become available. Please remember to check your Mines email regularly for communications from our office.

EXCHANGE VISITOR SKILLS LIST UPDATES – J1 Visa Holders Only (Dec. 9, 2024)

The Department of State published an update to the Exchange Visitor Skills List, effective December 9, 2024, (“2024 Skills List”) in the Federal Register. It plans to review the list every three years.

The modernized Skills List will significantly streamline the visa process for many exchange visitors, making it possible for those who qualify for work visas to continue contributing their talents to U.S. businesses and U.S. innovation.

MAIN POINTS:

· You are subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement based on the Skills List if:

o you were admitted to the United States in J status or obtained J status on or after December 9, 2024; and

o your country of legal permanent residence is on the 2024 Skills List; and

o your field of specialized knowledge or skills is listed for your country of legal permanent residence.

 

· You are not subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement based on the Skills List if

o you were admitted to the United States in J status or obtained J status before December 9, 2024; and

o your country of legal permanent residence is no longer on the 2024 Skills List.

 

Pending Waiver Applications, Form DS-3035: For applications submitted by an applicant whose country of legal permanent residence was on a prior Skills List but is not on the 2024 Skills List, the State Department will determine whether the two-year home country physical presence requirement still applies to such applicant for another reason. If the requirement does not apply, the applicant will receive notification of the Department’s determination.

ISSS will share updates as they are made available. Please note that the government agencies may take additional time to provide further guidance and fully implement the new Skills List.

 

POSSIBLE UPCOMING FEDERAL CHANGES TO IMMIGRATION POLICIES (Dec. 4, 2024)

Here is a short list of resources available:

    • Community resources, including local cultural centers, DREAMER resources, legal resources, and mental health resources can be found here: https://mep.mines.edu/resources/community/
    • ISSS is available for immigration advising for incoming, current, and graduated F1 and J1 students.
    • There may be questions about the privacy protections that are in place for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) contributors without Social Security numbers. The 2025-26 FAFSA is now officially open and although the Higher Education Act prohibits the use of data for any purpose other than determining and awarding federal financial assistance, there is no guarantee at this time that data submitted to the US Department of Education as part of the FAFSA process will continue to be protected. Every individual should have as much information as possible before submitting identifying information to the federal government. Please contact the Financial Aid office to discuss FAFSA applications and alternate funding options available.
    • The Counseling Center welcomes students to receive care and support in an affirming space. Counseling visits are a secure, nonjudgmental experience where students can freely express their feelings without fear.
    • Student Outreach and Support is also available for any student facing personal and academic challenges.
    • Undocumented students can find additional information here: https://mepmines.edu/undocumented-students/