Important New Rules for Sponsors Involved in the Exchange Visitor Program

The Department of State is amending the rules covering the designation of sponsors in the Exchange Visitor Program.   This rule encompasses technical changes to the general provisions and addresses public diplomacy and foreign policy concerns, including the Department’s ability to monitor sponsors to protect the health, safety and welfare of foreign nationals who come to the United States as exchange visitors.  Specifically, this rule requires more specific filing requirements for entities seeking to become designated sponsors and for sponsors seeking to renew their designations.  This includes requiring proposed and current Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers to undergo criminal background checks. The new rule adopts a requirement that private sector sponsors submit management reviews in a format and on a schedule determined by the Department.