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STATE DEPARTMENT REPORT PROPOSES CHANGES IN EXCHANGE VISITOR PROGRAM DESIGNATION BRANCH
The results of a State Department study conducted last fall into ways to improve the exchange visitor program designation branch have been released.  If the recommendations are followed, it could result in significant improvements to the program.  Perhaps the most important idea found in the report is the creation of an officer to direct the designation branch.  The report also calls for the expansion of the role of responsible officers, and for the drafting of a mission statement focusing on the exchange visitor program as a way to encourage international exchanges, rather than hinder them.  
Under the restructuring proposed, the J Visa Designation Branch would be integrated into the State Department Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.  The report also suggests the creation of an advisory committee that would be composed of members of groups involved with the exchange visitor program.  Through its advice, this committee would provide the assistant secretary of state in change of the exchange visitor branch with information on the needs of those who use exchange visitor programs.  It would also help develop new and innovative programs. 
The report also calls for a meeting of representatives of the exchange visitor community to discuss the following issues: 
Extending the maximum period of authorized stay for researchers and professors, 
Allowing exceptions to the 12-months bar for researchers and professors, 
Establishing a procedure for renewal of training status, 
Automating the IAP-66 process, 
Implementing user fees for IAP-66 forms, and 
Improving guidance from the exchange visitor branch. 
A summary of the report is available on the Internet at http://e.usia.gov/jvisa/report.htm.