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Frequently Asked Questions:
U.S. Department of State Operating Instructions for Exchange Visitor Program Participants (J visa) Impacted by Hurricane Katrina

The Department of State extends its support and encouragement to you at this difficult time. We are very aware of the serious devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and hope that you, your family and friends are safe and healthy.

NOTE: The Department is not aware of any college or university designated as an Exchange Visitor Program sponsor that does not have access to their SEVIS records. Sponsors can therefore assist students with transfers or program changes within the established regulations.

1. My exchange visitor program sponsor or my program site of activity is in the area impacted by the hurricane. What should I do?

Contact your program sponsor directly. Their web site may be your best source of information. We recommend that you delay travel until you have confirmation from the sponsor that your program is operational or that you are able to report to your site of activity.

Exchange Visitors Entering the United States to Begin a New Program
If your program begin date (listed as "Form Covers Period: From (mm-dd-yyyy):" in Item 3 of your Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status) passes before you are able to contact your program sponsor, the sponsor can amend your Form DS-2019 to reflect a Program Begin Date in the future or make other adjustments in your program as necessary. You do not need to obtain a new visa.

Exchange Visitors Returning to the United States to Resume Their Program
If you are a exchange visitor program participant who traveled outside the United States before the hurricane (e.g., to attend conference or for personal reasons) and need to return to resume your exchange activity, contact your program sponsor for instructions and guidance on what steps to take for reentry. If your J-visa (contained in your passport) has expired, you will need to renew your visa. Before you return to the United States as an exchange visitor, be certain to contact your program sponsor to coordinate your return, to discuss any necessary arrangements, and to obtain any needed updated immigration documents.

If you cannot contact your program sponsor, please contact the Department of State's Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation as follows:
Academic and Government Programs
Phone: 202/203-5029
Fax: 202/453-8640

Private Sector Programs
Phone: 202/203-5096
Fax: 202/203-5087

Or you may email the Department's Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation at: jexchanges@state.gov; please enter "Katrina" on the subject line of the email.

Be prepared to provide the following information:
(1) Your full name as it appears on your passport or national identification card;
(2) Date of birth;
(3) SEVIS ID number;
(4) Name or your program sponsor;
(5) How we should contact you; and
(6) Information on your situation and the kind of assistance and/or information you need.

2. I do not have a place to live or money? What do I do?

You should immediately seek emergency assistance from local government and relief agencies in your area (i.e., Red Cross). You may wish also to contact your Embassy in the United States. If you cannot locate assistance, speak with any member of the police department and tell him or her your problem. If you do not receive help, contact your program sponsor or the Department of State, Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation and we will try to assist you.
Please be aware that as a nonimmigrant you may not be eligible for some forms of federal assistance, including aid offered by FEMA.

3. I am an exchange participant and I cannot contact my program sponsor or program site of activity. What do I need to do?

If you have not been able to confirm your safety to your program sponsor and/or your family, please call the Department of State, Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation. Your family and your country are concerned for you and we need to be able to assist you in alerting them and your family of your safety and location and relaying information on how someone can contact you.

If you have access to a computer, send an email to us at jexchanges@state.gov and enter "Katrina" on the subject line.

In the email, give your name, your SEVIS ID number, if you have it (N followed by 10 digits located in the top, right-hand corner of your Form DS-2019), the name of your program sponsor, and most importantly, provide information on how we (or your family) can contact you (include your current address, telephone number, and email address, if possible).

Briefly describe your situation and what concerns or problems you are experiencing. Let us know if you have your documentation (passport, visa, Form DS-2019 and Form I-94) with you. (If you have lost your official documents (passport and visa; I-94; and/or Form DS-2019), please refer to Question 6 to get information on what steps need to be taken to replace your documents.)

If you do not have access to email, provide this information to this office at the time you telephone us. Try to have the information listed in the paragraph above when you call. We will work with you to find the best solution for your situation.

4. I have decided I would like to return to my home country and possibly return later. What do I need to do?

Contact your program sponsor to let them know of your intentions.

If it is not possible for you to contact your program sponsor, send an email to Jexchanges@state.gov and please enter "Katrina" on the subject line.

Provide your full name (as it appears on your passport or national identification card); your SEVIS ID number, if you have it (N followed by 10 digits located in the top, right-hand corner of your Form DS-2019); the name of your program sponsor, and information on how we can contact you (include your current address, telephone number, and email address, if possible). Briefly describe when and how you will depart the United States, your destination, and when you wish to return. Let us know if you do or do not have your documentation (passport, visa, Form DS-2019 and Form I-94) with you.

If you do not have access to e-mail, contact the Department of State's Office of Exchange Coordination or Designation. Try to have the information listed in Item 3 (the paragraph above) when you call.

Before you return to the United States as an exchange visitor, be certain to contact your program sponsor to coordinate your return, to discuss any necessary arrangements, and to obtain any needed updated immigration documents.

5. Will I need a new visa to return to the United States?

You will need a new visa if:
• Your visa expires while you are out of the United States.
• You change visa status (e.g., from F visa to J visa or from J visa to F visa).
• You change your exchange visitor program category.

Please visit the SEVP website for information on the SEVIS I-901 Fee payment requirements: www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/i901/index.htm

6. I lost my documentation during the evacuation. How can I replace it?

Your program sponsor can reprint a Form DS-2019 for you. If the program sponsor is not available, contact the Department of State, Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation. In the email, give your full name as listed on your passport or national identification card, your SEVIS ID number, if you have it (N followed by 10 digits on the top, right-hand corner on your Form DS-2019), the name of your program sponsor, and information on how we can contact you (include your current address, telephone number, and email address, if possible). Briefly describe your situation and what concerns or problems you are experiencing. For the short term, you will not need a Form I-94. You may wish to periodically visit the following websites for information and/or guidance on the replacement of the Form I-94:
www.uscis.gov/graphics/katrina.htm
www.ice.gov/graphics/sevis/index.htm

7. How do I report my address changes if I am not at my site of activity?

Follow the directions provided in Question 3.

8. I am currently participating as a Student in an exchange visitor program and have been approved for academic training. I cannot continue my academic training at the location approved by my program sponsor. What do I do?

Contact your program sponsor for assistance. If you are unable to contact your program sponsor, contact the Department of State, Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation. Give your full name as listed on your passport or national identification card, your SEVIS ID number, if you have it (N followed by 10 digits located on the top, right-hand corner on your Form DS-2019, the name of your program sponsor, and information so we can contact you (include your current address, telephone number, and email address, if possible). Explain your current situation.

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