Greenheart and the 6/22/20 Proclamation: Frequently Asked Questions
On June 22, 2020, the White House issued a proclamation suspending some J-1 visas effective June 24 through December 31, 2020, with the possibility of continuation. There are many questions about the proclamation. As more information is shared and clarified from the Department of State, Greenheart will update these Q&As. Please check back regularly.
General
Q: Will this affect participants who already have a visa? a SEVIS ID?
A: According to the Proclamation, participants who already have a visa are not affected.
Q: Will the proclamation affect only the 2020 program, or will it also affect the 2021 program?
A: The current proclamation affects 2020 programs and shall expire on December 31, 2020, however it may be continued . It may be reviewed within 30 days of the effective date of the proclamation and every 60 days thereafter. Exceptions and modifications may be considered by the Secretary of State during these times of review. Stay tuned for suggestions on how to lobby for changes to this proclamation.
Q: Will this ban affect J-2 dependents of current J-1 visa holders?
A: According to Sec 2. (b) this proclamation bans the issuance of visas to both J-1 applicants, “…participating in an intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel program, and any alien accompanying or following to join such alien.” Therefore, J-2 dependents who do not have a non-immigrant visa (J-2) that is valid on the effective date of the proclamation (June 24, 2020) will not be able to receive a visa until after December 31, 2020.
Q: Will visa fees be reimbursed or can the fees be used in the future?
A: From the information we have, visa fees are non-refundable but can be re-used within one year. Partners should check with their local U.S. consular sections for details.
Summer Work Travel
Q: How does this affect Summer 2020 SWT participants who are already on program in the U.S.?
A: These participants can continue their programs.
Q: How does this affect Summer 2020 participants who have a visa but who have not arrived in the U.S.?
A: These participants can still come on the program with their valid visa
Q: How does this affect Summer 2020 participants who have DS-2019 forms but who do not have visas?
A: These participants cannot go on the program this year as they don’t have the actual visa issued prior to June 24, 2020.
Q: How does this affect the Winter 2021 season SWT program?
A: We will reach out to winter partners and winter host organizations to discuss latest possible start dates in the case that this proclamation is not extended and there is a slight possibility that some winter participants will be able to come.
Q: Will Greenheart charge a cancellation fee for participants who choose to cancel or have to cancel as a result of the proclamation?
A: Greenheart will charge the standard cancellation fee, typically defined as the fee applied to cancellations more than 30 days before the program start date.
Q: Will WT communicate with participants?
A: As the visa sponsor, we are always in communication with our participants after they arrive in the U.S.
Intern & Trainee
Q: Will Greenheart allow participants with valid USA visas to enter USA?
A: According to proclamation and further DHS guidance, participants who already have a visa are not affected by the proclamation. Participants with valid USA visas will be able to travel to the USA to start or resume their programs.
Q: There are J-2 dependents who are planning to come to the U.S. this year to join their in-country J-1. Will they still be able to come?
A: J-2 dependents that do not have a non-immigrant visa (J-2) that is valid on the effective date of the proclamation (June 24, 2020) will not be able to receive a visa until after December 31, 2020 by order of the proclamation.
Q. Will Greenheart allow participants to transfer to 2021?
A. If participant meets J-1 Intern/Trainee eligibility requirements, Greenheart will work with the sending agent to transfer their program to 2021. Greenheart encourages program deferrals as opposed to cancellations.
Q: Will Greenheart charge a cancellation fee for participants who choose to cancel or have to cancel as a result of the proclamation?
A: Greenheart will charge the lowest cancellation fee of $100.
Teacher
Q: There are J-2 dependents who are planning to come to the U.S. this year to join their in-country J-1. Will they still be able to come?
A: According to Sec 2. (b) this proclamation bans the issuance of visas to both J-1 applicants, “…participating in an intern, trainee, teacher, camp counselor, au pair, or summer work travel program, and any alien accompanying or following to join such alien;” Therefore, J-2 dependents that do not have a non-immigrant visa (J-2) that is valid on the effective date of the proclamation (June 24, 2020) will not be able to receive a visa until after December 31, 2020 by order of the proclamation.
Q: To what extent will the proclamation prohibit later/postponed start dates for teachers?
A: At this point, we do not have confirmation from the Department of State as to whether or not program start dates that fall outside of the academic calendar will be permitted.
Q: Will on-program participants who have been granted program extensions and were issued updated DS-2019 forms but still have expired visas be unable to renew their visa?
A: At this point, we do not have confirmation that participants will be able to obtain renewed J-1 visas. Out of an abundance of caution, we advise that participants do not travel internationally to renew their visa until we receive further clarification from the Department of State.