State Department Proposes J-1 Program Termination and Reinstatement Changes

The State Department has proposed updates to J-1 Exchange Visitor Program regulations that would clarify termination requirements, revise extension and reinstatement procedures and add new definitions for unauthorized employment and valid program status.  

State Department Proposes Changes to Exchange Visitor Program Regulations 

The U.S. Department of State published a proposed rule that would update several aspects of the Exchange Visitor Program (J-1). The proposal would clarify when sponsors must terminate an exchange visitor’s program, establish circumstances in which the Department may terminate participation, modernize extension and reinstatement procedures and revise program definitions.  

What Is Changing? 

The proposed rule would: 

• Clarify the conditions under which sponsors must terminate an exchange visitor’s participation in the program.
• Authorize the Department of State, in limited circumstances, to terminate an exchange visitor’s program directly.
• Update the program extension and reinstatement procedures by eliminating outdated requirements and incorporating current Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) functionality.
• Add definitions for”Unauthorized Employment” and”Valid Program Status.”
• Eliminate the separate extension-of-program provision currently applicable to au pairs.

Why the Changes Matter 

According to the State Department, the proposal is intended to modernize Exchange Visitor Program regulations and align program administration with current SEVIS capabilities. The changes would also provide greater clarity regarding program termination, extensions and reinstatement of status for J-1 exchange visitors.  

Looking Ahead 

The proposal does not immediately change J-1 program requirements. If finalized, the rule would establish updated procedures governing program termination, extensions and reinstatement requests for exchange visitors participating in educational and cultural exchange programs in the U.S.

• Publication date: July 30, 2026.  
• Comment period: The State Department will accept public comments for 60 days following publication.  

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