Welcome to the J-1 visa news page of the ICDP Department at the French-American Chamber of Commerce in New York.  On this page you will find the latest information on J-1 visa policies and procedures, and any news from the U.S. Embassy in Paris, as well as from the U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security that may impact visa issues and immigration. Please bookmark this page and check regularly for updates to stay informed on what is happening in the world of J-1 visas.

1. New Form DS-160 Required - All visa applicants must now fill out the Form DS-160 online prior to their visa interview appointment at the American Embassy.  This is the new interactive and electronic non-immigrant visa application form, and can be accessed here. The American Embassy in Paris has provided a helpful PowerPoint presentation that offers some tips on filling out the new Form DS-160, and all FACC J-1 visa applicants are urged to read it carefully, at this link.

2. Proposed Regulatory Changes - Two years ago J-1 visa trainee and intern regulatory changes were implemented by the U.S. State Department.  In a recent edition of the U. S. Federal Register, the Department is again proposing to amend certain general provisions of the Exchange Visitor Program, known as  "Subpart A".  These regulations primarily concern sponsor organizations (such as the FACC) in matters such as program designation, oversight, reporting and definitions.  The proposals should not directly impact host companies or candidates.  Nevertheless, we at the Chamber want you to be aware of changes that might affect any area of J-1 visa program administration.  As always, when a proposed rule is published in the Federal Register, key stakeholders are invited by the government to comment on the proposals.  The FACC has submitted comments to the State Department as you will see in the attached letter from Chamber president, Serge Bellanger.

2. Travel News - Ubifrance and the French Trade Office (Mission Économique) have removed the travel ban for all VIEs to Mexico which had been put in place on April 30th, 2009. The usual authorization procedures are still valid for all VIEs for any overseas travel. 

3. Health Update - In light of growing concerns over cases of the new A (H1N1) swine flu strain (in French, la grippe porcine) you may want to advise your J-1 visa Exchange Visitors (Interns, Trainees and VIEs) to check the following websites before planning any foreign travel. The CONSULATE OF FRANCE in NEW YORK has updates and news in French on the swine flu situation, including travel alerts for French citizens. Also, the U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC) is a source for offical information from the American government on this issue. We strongly urge our J-1 visa participants to check these sites for advice on staying healthy, and before any foreign travel to countries affected by the epidemic. In addition, there is general information on staying healthy during this crisis elsewhere on our website -- please click here.

4. New SEVIS Fee - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has increased the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee from $100 to $180. This fee increase will take effect on October 27th, 2008. The SEVIS fee is mandated by law and has been in effect since September 1st, 2004. All J-1 Trainees and Interns pay this fee to the U.S. government via the website www.fmjfee.com after they have been issued a SEVIS Form DS-2019. Using the required Form I-901, candidates must present proof of SEVIS fee payment at their visa interview at the American Embassy in Paris. 

5. New Visa Application Fee - All J-1 visa applicants must pay an application fee of €98.25 ($131) by mandat-compte on account No. 2006L. A mandat-compte is obtained at any French Post office (La Poste) by payment of the proper amount in cash only.  This fee is separate from, and in addition too, the SEVIS fee, which is payable online as described above.  All J-1 visa applicants must pay both fees prior to their embassy interview appointment.

6. Employment Not Allowed - FACC programs fall within the J-1 Trainee and Intern visa categories. These visas must be used for eligible training or internship programs only, and not for work. Under no circumstances should a J-1 Trainee or Intern visa be used in lieu of a work visa or to fill a position that could be occupied by a regular employee; nor should it be used as a stepping stone to another category of visa. Applications that we interpret as work will be rejected. Please read the attached memorandum concerning this regulatory requirement.

7. New J-1 Visa Regulations in Effect - On July 19th, 2007, new federal regulations governing the J-1 visa Intern and Trainee categories took effect. The new regulations contain significant changes in program operations and candidate eligibility. For additional information, please download our summary memorandum and fact sheet which outline these important changes.

8. Visa Appointment System - The American Embassy in Paris has instituted a new online visa appointment service.  This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; a fee of $14.00 (USD) is charged, permitting up to five family members to schedule their visa appointment together. Please visit www.usvisa-france.com for more information and to begin the appointment process.  Interested applicants who wish to speak with a live operator may continue to call 08-10-26-46-26.  The live operator service is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Note that all candidates must have a credit card, passport, and the Form DS-2019 serial number availabe at the time of the call.  The cost of each call is €14.50 (EUR).