Business Immigration Insights

On August 11, 2010, the State Department published its final revised rule on J-1 Interns and Trainees.  The revised rule makes 3 key changes.  First, host companies no longer must provide a Dun & Bradstreet report  Second, program sponsors may interview candidates by phone rather than only in person or by videoconference.  And third, both interns and trainees may participate in unlimited J-1 programs as long as they will develop more advanced skills or train in a different field of expertise in each new program.  Interns must still be enrolled full-time in a foreign college or university or ...

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has announced new fees for persons seeking authorization to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program.  The authorization is obtained prior to travel through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and typically remains valid for two years.  Beginning on September 8, 2010, the ESTA travel authorization will require a valid credit card for payment of a $14.00 fee.  The purpose of the fee is to finance efforts to promote international travel to the United States, and cover operational costs associated with running the ...