The United States Information Agency (“USIA”) has issued a new rule extending the permissible period of program participation for short-term scholars from four months to six months. The rule became effective on July 30th, 1996. This rule is related to one reported earlier this summer which bars J-1 professors and research scholars who have completed their programs from reentering the US as a J-1 professor or research scholar for all or part of the twelve month period preceding their reentry in that status. An exception to this rule is made for those reentering in short-term scholar programs. The new rule should reduce the disruption that may be caused by the new rule by making it easier for scholars to complete their work in the US.
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