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Session Evaluation

Session

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)

Ripple Effects of Retrogression on Scholar Visa Advising and Processing

Sunday, October 27, 2024
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT
Location: Meeting Room 26/27
In this session, we will discuss how persistent green card backlogs are affecting our scholars’ nonimmigrant visa status and identify strategies for dealing with common visa-related issues that arise. Topics to be addressed include retrogression; J-1 issues (extensions, transfers, travel); H-1B extensions beyond 6 years and “recapturing” time spent outside the US; H-4 EADs; O-1 use and impact; and PR strategies.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain a basic understanding of retrogression and how to read the DOS Visa Bulletin.
  • Understand how retrogression is affecting our scholars, in particular those on J-1 and H-1B visas.
  • Identify strategies for addressing some common scenarios, including J-1s with pending self-sponsored PR; scholars running out of H-1B ‘time’; H-4 EAD inquiries; travel restrictions; and impacts on family members' benefits.