The U.S. Department of State has announced updates to the Exchange Visitor Skills List, a compilation of specialized knowledge and skills necessary for the development of certain foreign countries. This is the first revision since 2009.
Effective December 9, 2024, many exchange visitors, including research scholars and highly skilled workers, will no longer need to meet a two-year home-country physical presence requirement upon completing their programs. The modernized Skills List aims to simplify the visa process for these individuals, allowing them to continue contributing to U.S. businesses and innovation if they qualify for work visas.
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma met with industry and higher education representatives to preview this announcement. They discussed how the Department can support the contributions of this workforce to the U.S. economy.
"Facilitating legitimate travel to the United States while protecting U.S. borders and national security remains our top priority," said a spokesperson from the Department of State. "With this change, we continue to support American employers and retain top U.S.-trained talent, ensuring the lasting prosperity and innovation of the United States."
