D/S Rule Implementation Postponed
On the afternoon of Monday, September 14th, a federal court issued an order (1) postponing the effective date of the new D/S rule, and (2) enjoining the Department of Homeland Security from taking further action to implement the rule. This means that the rule did not go into effect as scheduled on September 15th.
ISO will continue to update this blog post with further information as it becomes available.
Transferring Out of the UW
Complete a Transfer Verification Form and submit it to the International Scholars Operations (ISO) team at least a month before your transfer date. Maintain your exchange visitor status at the UW until the effective date of transfer. Report to the international scholars office at the new program sponsor to collect your new DS-2019 within 30 days after the effective date of transfer.
Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement
Exchange visitors subject to the 2-year home country physical presence requirement (also known as “212(e)”) must return to their home countries and be physically present there for an aggregate of 2 years before they are eligible to return to the U.S. in H, L, or immigrant (permanent resident/green card) status.
30-Day Grace Period
The Department of Homeland Security allows all exchange visitors 30 days of lawful status in the U.S. following completion of their program. This 30-day grace period is NOT included in the program dates listed in item 3 of your DS-2019 form. During the grace period you are expected to settle your affairs and prepare to return home, although you may also apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to change status during this period if you are otherwise eligible. If you travel outside the U.S. during the grace period you will not be permitted to reenter the U.S. in J-1 or J-2 status. Employment and other exchange activities are prohibited during the 30-day grace period.
Exit Interview
Please complete this exit interview form before you end your program at the University of Washington.