Do Old J-1 Skills Lists Still Matter?
Yes, historical Skills Lists can matter when reconstructing why an older J exchange visitor was originally treated as subject. DOS currently provides access to the 1972, 1984, 1997, and 2009 lists alongside the current 2024 list.
DOS preserves the historical lists
The current DOS Skills List page links to the 1972, 1984, 1997, and 2009 versions in addition to the current 2024 Skills List.
Historical lists can explain an old annotation
An exchange visitor admitted decades ago may have been marked subject because the country and field appeared on the list applicable to the historical program.
The 2024 update changed some old cases
DOS now states that a person previously subject solely because of a prior Skills List is no longer subject on that basis if the person's country is not present on the 2024 Skills List.
Other §212(e) triggers remain independent
Government financing and graduate medical education or training can continue to make the exchange visitor subject even if the historical Skills List basis no longer applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does DOS still provide the old Skills Lists?
Yes.
Can an old Skills List explain why a historical J program was marked subject?
Yes.
Does the 2024 list automatically remove government-funding-based 212(e)?
No.
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