J-1 REINSTATEMENT PROCEDURE

BACKGROUND

An exchange visitor who is not validated after the start of his or her training program is automatically considered to be a "no-show." This implies that the visitor arrived in the U.S. but then disappeared and did not attend his or her training program. As a result, the visitor will be "out of status" and technically in the U.S. illegally. This may trigger an investigation of the exchange visitor or the partner organization by the Department of Homeland Security. This may also have a negative impact on the visitor's chances of returning to the U.S. in the future.

Normally exchange visitors are put in no show status because the TraiNet Operator, the Verifier or the Approver fail to update their status in a timely manner. USAID policy states that this is to be done within three business days of the start of the program. A petition can be filed to adjust the status of visitors who are no-shows, though the review period can be quite lengthy (up to 18 months in some instances).

REINSTATEMENT PROCEDURE

To request reinstatement, the following documents must be sent to Mr. Jeffrey Shahan (jshahan@usaid.gov):

• A copy of the stamped DS-2019 (if they have arrived) for the visitor in question

• A copy of the visitor's I-94

• A copy of the visitor's passport, including a clear copy of the J-1 visa stamp

• A written reinstatement request on letterhead explaining why the visitor was not validated and is therefore in no show status, signed by the organization's Verifier and containing the address of the current location where the visitor is staying (i.e. the hotel or lodging).

The request for reinstatement will be sent to the Department of Homeland Security for consideration.