J-1 Reinstatement Policies & Procedures
On AUGUST 13, 1999, the United States Information Agency (USIA)* published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) updating their policy and regulations on reinstatement of exchange visitors who have fallen out of program status. (For information about what constitutes a violation of status and/or how to maintain your legal J-1 status, see Maintaining Your Legal J-1 Status .) This IFR replaces the Statement of Agency Policy which was set forth on April 24, 1997. Effective immediately, this new IFR:
- Allows Responsible Officers/Alternate Responsible Officers (RO/AROs) to correct certain minor or technical infractions without the need for reinstatement through USIA, provided that no more than 120 days have elapsed since the event that created the infraction
- Establishes which cases will require reinstatement
- Establishes which cases will not be eligible for reinstatement.
Due to the complexity of this new regulation and the in-depth analysis which must take place in order to determine whether or not there is a need for formal reinstatement or simply a neeed to "correct the record, " all inquiries regarding possible violations of status on the part of an exchange visitor should be immediately directed to the Office of International Services.
For detailed information about the reinstatement process, you will need to contact a staff member in the Office of International Student, Faculty, & Staff Services at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions to schedule an appointment.
As of October 1, 1999, the USIA was merged into the U.S. Department of State. All functions of the USIA are now carried out by the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs within the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
