Search
Contact
Login
Share this article
IMPACT – HIGH
On August 9, 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued the final policy memo clarifying procedures for the accrual of unlawful presence for foreign students and exchange visitors. Foreign students and exchange visitors in F, J or M status are reminded that new rules on the calculation of unlawful presence took effect Aug. 9, 2018. This means the potential bars for inadmissibility for accruing 180 days or more of unlawful presence from that date would be triggered on Feb. 5, 2019.
Key points:
Background: The initial policy memo issued in May 2018 by USCIS changed the way the agency calculates unlawful presence for nonimmigrants in F (student), M (vocational student), and J (exchange visitor) status. These individuals will accrue unlawful presence if they fail to maintain status, and unlawful presence will be counted from the day after they violate their status. Under previous longstanding policy, unlawful presence was not triggered for students (who are admitted for “duration of status” rather than for a specific time period) until the government determined that the individual was out of status. Although comments opposing the change were provided to USCIS, the final policy change was issued in August 2018. In October 2018, a group of colleges and universities challenged the policy in court, but it remains in effect today as the lawsuit continues to progress.
BAL Analysis: F, J and M nonimmigrants and their employers should be careful to avoid any unlawful presence triggers and to track any time that could be deemed failure to maintain status. Those who have failed to maintain status since Aug. 9 may consider filing for reinstatement if they are within five months of having fallen out of status. Individuals who are approaching 180 days of unlawful presence would need to depart the U.S. before Feb. 5 to avoid the three-year re-entry bar.
This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2019 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Department of Labor (DOL) reported that as of Feb. 13, 2025, a total of 5,883 cases were issued Final…
Norwegian officials announced an increase in the minimum income threshold for individuals sponsoring family members. Key Points: Norwegian…
Irish officials provided current processing dates for employment permits. Key Points: As of Feb. 17, the Department of Enterprise, Trade…
The U.S. Mission to India updated its interview waiver eligibility criteria for Indian foreign nationals renewing visas at U.S. consular…