Department of State January 12, 2017 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The U.S. Department of State (Department) proposes to amend existing regulations to provide new program requirements for the Summer Work Travel category of the Exchange Visitor Program. This rulemaking strategy is informed by the Department's comprehensive and ongoing review of the Summer Work Travel program that began in mid-2010. With this proposed rulemaking, the Department proposes to: Specify general program administration requirements for sponsors and their third parties; enhance transparency in the recruitment of exchange visitors; limit exchange visitor repeat participation to a total of three visits; require all exchange visitors to be placed in advance of the exchange visitor's arrival in the United States; outline additional sponsor responsibilities for use and vetting of host entities; and specify host entity requirements for program participation. In addition, the proposed rule limits the number of late night and early morning hours during which exchange visitors may work; adds a section regulating placements in door-to-door sales; explains new processes for exchange visitor housing; and introduces Form DS-7007 (Host Placement Certification). The proposed rule also specifies more exactly pre-departure orientation and documentation requirements, including with respect to bicycle safety; ensures that sponsors and host entities provide exchange visitors with cross-cultural activities; and outlines processes for sponsor use and vetting of domestic and foreign third parties.