The U.S. Department of State has made updates to the Exchange Visitor Skills List, which will affect skilled workers participating in the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program.
The changes, effective December 9th, 2024, are expected to provide new opportunities for skilled professionals who want to advance their careers while also contributing to their home countries.
These updates change how certain countries and fields are evaluated, potentially making it easier for some workers to meet the requirements for future U.S. visa applications.
According to the DAAD Scholarship, two key updates have been made to the Exchange Visitor Skills List. These changes introduce new economic criteria for determining which countries are prioritized, and they also offer more flexibility for workers hoping to achieve their career goals in the U.S.
Updated criteria for country designations
The U.S. has revised the criteria for determining which countries are included in the Exchange Visitor Skills List. The new evaluation process now considers three factors: economic development, availability of resources, and migration trends.
- Countries with a per capita GDP below $7,500 are now given priority. These countries are seen as needing skilled workers to help improve their economies.
- Smaller countries with a GDP between $7,500 and $15,000, but which still face development challenges, are also included. These nations need specialized skills to continue growing.
- Additionally, countries that experience high levels of migration of skilled workers are now given more attention. This is intended to help these countries retain their talent and avoid “brain drain,” encouraging skilled workers to return home and contribute to their country’s development.
These changes mean that if a country’s economy or migration trends improve, its workers may no longer be required to return home for two years after completing a J-1 program. This removes the previous restriction, making it easier for skilled workers to pursue other U.S. visa opportunities without being required to leave the country for two years.
No changes in required skills
While the criteria for country designation have changed, the skills in demand on the Exchange Visitor Skills List remain the same. The list continues to prioritize fields such as:
- Healthcare: Areas like medicine, nursing, public health, and clinical sciences remain important for addressing global health challenges.
- Engineering: Fields such as civil, mechanical, environmental, and software engineering are crucial for infrastructure and technology development.
- IT and Technology: Specializations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and database management are still in high demand.
- Education: Roles in STEM education, curriculum design, and early childhood development continue to play a vital role in preparing future skilled professionals.
- Creative Fields: Careers in graphic design, animation, visual arts, and performing arts contribute to cultural and economic growth.
These skills remain crucial, and workers specializing in these areas will continue to find opportunities to make a global impact. Professionals are encouraged to align their careers with these fields to maximize their potential and contribute to their home countries’ development.
What to know
If the economic conditions or migration trends in your country have improved, you may benefit from these updates. If your country no longer faces significant development challenges, you might not have to return home for two years after completing a J-1 program.
- This opens up more possibilities for you to pursue additional U.S. opportunities, such as applying for an H-1B visa or permanent residency.
- For those whose countries are still facing challenges, focusing on in-demand skills like healthcare, engineering, or IT can help you stand out in the global job market. Specializing in these fields will allow you to make the most of the J-1 program and contribute to your home country’s development.
- The updates to the Exchange Visitor Skills List provide new opportunities for skilled workers, especially for those from countries with improving economic conditions or high migration rates.
- Although the required skills remain the same, the changes could make it easier for skilled workers to continue their careers in the U.S. and contribute to global development goals.
For those in high-demand fields, these updates offer exciting possibilities for both career growth and international impact.
