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Exchange Visitor Program Information on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Visa Services Operating Status Update (November 19, 2021)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (Updated on 01/04/2023)

We share your concerns for everyone’s health, safety, and welfare and the situation regarding COVID-19 as it continues to evolve. Please follow the links below for the latest guidance for Exchange Visitor Program sponsors and participants.

FOR PARTICIPANTS

• Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) participants should contact their sponsor if they have any questions about the effects of COVID-19 on their EVP program.

FOR J-1 VISA APPLICANTS/SELECTEES (Updated 5/1/20)

• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, can the requirement for the “Statement of Need” (SoN) letter for J-1 Alien Physicians be waived?
• Public Law 94-484, as reflected at 22 CFR 62.27(b)(6), requires that alien physician applicants provide SoN letters from the governments of the countries of their most recent legal permanent residence. Such letters must include written assurance, satisfactory to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, that there is a need in those countries for persons with the skills the alien physicians seek to acquire. SoN letters must bear the seal of the concerned governments and be signed by a duly designated official of the governments.
• The SoN letter is a requirement that cannot be waived. While the Department generally requires SoN letters to be provided by the relevant Ministries of Health, this may not be possible at this time. Temporarily, and due to the COVID-19 crisis, the Department will allow flexibility to help applicants meet this requirement. For example, the Department will allow both electronically signed SoN letters from Ministries of Health and SoN letters issued by foreign embassies in the United States, where the relevant countries have elected to authorize their embassies to provide these statements. For, individuals applying for fellowship training for whom ECFMG already has SoN letters on file for the related specialty, it is not necessary to submit new SoN letters. For further guidance, please reach out to ECFMG at: [email protected] .

CURRENT PROGRAMS (Updated 04/22/22)

• Are J-1 exchange visitors who are in research or training programs at host organizations eligible to participate in a host organization's telework policy? What are the Department's recommendations or requirements for J-1 exchange visitors in regard to being physically onsite at their host sites?
• As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect communities throughout the United States, some host organizations continue to offer a hybrid model (both virtual and in-person elements) by instituting telework policies for employees. Through June 30, 2023, ECA’s guidance continues to be that temporary modification of a current, active-status exchange visitor's program due to exigent circumstances beyond a sponsor’s or host entity’s control does not undermine the program’s original consistency with program regulations. ECA understands that program sponsors may need to adjust program activities to meet their obligations to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of their exchange visitors. Sponsors may pursue ways to maintain program objectives, including a limited hybrid option, of one to two telework days per week, for one more academic year, not to exceed June 30, 2023, while preventing unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. The limited hybrid option is available for the following five exchange categories' host organizations that have instituted telework policies: College/University Student (Academic Training and Student Intern), Research Scholar, Short Term Scholar, Intern, and Trainee. A fully or predominantly virtual exchange program is not permitted. Designated sponsors in those five categories have the discretion to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether J-1 exchange visitors may be eligible to participate in host organizations' hybrid telework policies provided they can successfully achieve the objectives of their exchange programs and meet the purpose of the Fulbright Hays Act of 1961 to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.
• Please note that new exchange visitors can participate in programs only if their host organizations have reinstated partial to full in-person activities.
• Sponsors are expected to continue to monitor their exchange visitors' progress to ensure that the original objectives and educational and cultural requirements of the programs are being met. Sponsors should also ensure exchange visitors have access to the resources needed to carry out their programs (e.g., Research Scholars can effectively collaborate with colleagues and be provided with the resources and equipment needed to perform their research duties and responsibilities).
• Given surges in COVID-19 cases, are exchange visitors, where possible, permitted to pivot to/conduct their programs online or in virtual environments?
• ECA acknowledges that the uncertainty created by surges in COVID-19 cases may continue to lead to varying local health and safety requirements. As we continue to navigate challenges from the ongoing pandemic, ECA understands that program sponsors may need to adjust program activities to meet their obligations to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of their exchange visitors. In keeping with ECA guidance at the onset of the pandemic, we ask sponsors and exchange visitors to consult with host schools and host organizations to pursue ways to maintain program objectives, including online classes or other remote telework arrangements, while preventing unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. ECA confirms that previous guidance in a variety of FAQs is still valid. Through June 30, 2023, ECA’s guidance continues to be that temporary modification of a current, active-status exchange visitor's program due to exigent circumstances beyond a sponsor’s or host entity’s control does not undermine the program’s original consistency with program regulations.
• Please note, however, that new exchange visitors can participate in programs only if their host organizations (e.g., schools or businesses) have reinstated partial to full in-person activities.
• We ask that sponsors continue to keep us apprised of adjusted program activities. Please report to the Office of Private Sector Exchange Program Administration (OPA), via the email address listed below for the respective category, of individual sponsor and host institutions’ decisions and altered modalities, as they may vary according to local and state conditions.  In aggregate, this information helps the Department determine what (if any) additional flexibilities might be necessary. Please note that formal incident reports are not required.
• ON-LINE V. IN-PERSON LEARNING :   Can currently active exchange visitors participating in the Teacher, Professor, Secondary School Student, or College/University Student categories of BridgeUSA teach/take online/hybrid classes or must all courses be in person?
• With respect to exchange visitors who are currently in “active” status in SEVIS, the Department understands that program sponsors have adjusted program activities to meet their obligations to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of their exchange participants in the context of the pandemic. In keeping with its March 11, 2020 message ( https://staging.j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.11.2020_Exchange-Visitor-Program-Sponsor-Guidance.pdf ), the Bureau of Educational and Cultural affairs (ECA) continues to ask sponsors and exchange visitors to consult with host academic institutions to find alternative ways to maintain program objectives, including online classes or other arrangements, while preventing unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. A temporary modification along these lines of a current exchange participant's program due to exigent circumstances beyond a sponsor’s or host entity’s control does not undermine the program’s original consistency with the regulations.
• ON-LINE V. IN-PERSON EXCHANGES : Can exchange visitors who were in “Active” status on March 11, 2020, and are otherwise complying with the terms of their nonimmigrant status, whether from inside the United States or abroad, continue to participate 100% in on-line/virtual programs?
• With respect to exchange visitors who were in “Active” status when the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent last spring, ECA understands that program sponsors adjusted program activities to meet their obligations to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of their exchange participants. In keeping with ECA's message on March 11, 2020 ( https://staging.j1visa.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/3.11.2020_Exchange-Visitor-Program-Sponsor-Guidance.pdf ), ECA continues to ask sponsors and exchange visitors to consult with host organizations to pursue ways to maintain program objectives, including online classes or other arrangements, while preventing unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. A temporary modification along these lines of a current exchange participant's program due to exigent circumstances beyond a sponsor’s or host entity’s control does not undermine the program’s original consistency with the regulations.
• POST-PROGRAM GRACE PERIOD :  May sponsors allow exchange visitors to travel during the 30-day period after their program end dates when ending/shortening their exchange programs?
• There are no changes to regulations governing exchange visitors’ 30-day grace period following their program end dates. However, sponsors should encourage exchange visitors to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and consider health, safety, and welfare implications for travel at this time.

FUTURE PROGRAMS (Updated 3/29/23)

• Does ECA plan to continue the temporary modifications it put in place during COVID-19 after June 2023? For example, will exchange visitors be permitted to take online classes, or participate in host companies’ telework policies?
• ECA continues to assess its COVID-19 guidance issued on March 11, 2020, in which we asked sponsors to find alternative ways to maintain program objectives, including online classes or other arrangements, while preventing unnecessary exposure to COVID-19.  We expect to be in a position prior to June 30, 2023, to provide updated guidance for the coming year.  While the pandemic necessitated shifting some programs temporarily to virtual programming, ECA reminds sponsors that the Exchange Visitor Program is designed to foster the exchange of ideas between exchange visitors and Americans in person. As such, we anticipate exchanges will move back to predominantly in-person activities. In the interim, ECA confirms that previous FAQ guidance regarding limited temporary virtual/online program adjustments remain valid.
• ON-LINE V. IN-PERSON EXCHANGES : Can exchange visitors starting new programs participate in 100% on-line/virtual programs?: The purpose of the EVP is to facilitate in-person exchanges. For example, college and university student programs must generally take place "at a degree-granting post-secondary accredited academic institution" (2 CFR 62.23(a)); teachers must teach "in an accredited primary or secondary school" (22 CFR 62.24(d)(5)); secondary school students “are afforded the opportunity to study in the United States at accredited public or private secondary schools” (22 CFR 62.25(b)); and professors "must conduct their exchange activity at the site(s) of activity" although occasional lectures or consultations are allowable at other locations (22 CFR 62.20(f)). Similarly, intern and trainee programs require exchange visitor interaction with Americans to meet program objectives: “Such training and internship programs are also intended to increase participants' understanding of American culture and society and to enhance Americans' knowledge of foreign cultures and skills through an open interchange of ideas between participants and their American associates. (22 CFR 62.22(b)). While the COVID pandemic necessitated shifting some programs temporarily to online or virtual programming to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of participants, the Office reminds sponsors that the EVP generally requires programs to foster the exchange of ideas between exchange visitors and their American counterparts in person. Thus, new exchange visitors can participate in programs only if the host organizations (e.g., schools or businesses) have reinstated partial to full in-person activities as of the date sponsors accept exchange visitors into their programs.
• ON-LINE V. IN-PERSON TRAINING :  Can applicants wishing to participate in the Intern or Trainee categories of BridgeUSA participate in online/hybrid training programs or must all training be in person?
• The purpose of BridgeUSA is to facilitate in-person exchanges. Regulations governing the Intern and Trainee categories anticipate in-person interaction between exchange visitors and their American counterparts:  “Such training and internship programs are also intended to increase participants' understanding of American culture and society and to enhance Americans' knowledge of foreign cultures and skills through an open interchange of ideas between participants and their American associates.” (22 CFR §62.22(b)(1)(i))  While these regulations do allow the Department to provide some flexibility in permitting a limited amount of virtual training, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs reminds sponsors that BridgeUSA generally requires programs to foster the exchange of ideas between exchange visitors and their American counterparts. Thus, host organizations should have reinstated partial to full-time in-person training or be able to meet other formal in-person requirements on the date they agree to host exchange visitors.

SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT PROGRAMS (Updated 6/1/22)

• VIRTUAL VETTING AND MONITORING :  For the 2022/23 academic year, may local coordinators substitute in-person vetting and monitoring of exchange students and host families with virtual communications?
• * Sponsors who utilize virtual technology (due to COVID-19 exposure) for conducting interactions with exchange students and/or their host families are required to fully document the reason for the virtual meeting and all uses of virtual technology to meet requirements, including digitally saving video files.
• * Sponsors must reschedule the in-person visit as soon as it is safe to do so.
• * Sponsors should be ready to provide such information if requested by the Department.

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS (Updated 6/1/22)

• Can sponsors forgo criminal background checks if, e.g., county offices are closed and it is not possible to conduct manual searches?
• Sponsors continue to be required to conduct character reference checks and criminal background checks, as specified in the regulations. The regulations generally do not identify specific requirements for criminal background reports themselves, except that for certain programs they must include a search of the Department of Justice's National Sex Offender Public Registry (which is online). This requirement remains in effect.

SPONSOR OBLIGATIONS

• APPLICATION FOR REDESIGNATION: Does the Department of State plan to postpone or waive the requirement to apply for redesignation or to pay the associated redesignation fee due to the financial hardship that sponsors may face due to COVID-19 and/or the suspension of certain programs pursuant to the recent Presidential Proclamation?
• No. The regulations do not allow for the Department to waive the requirement for sponsors to submit a complete application for redesignation (see 22 CFR §62.7). As per §62.7(a), sponsors must file for redesignation no more than six months and no fewer than three months before the designation expiration date set forth in their most recent letters of designation or redesignation. A complete application includes confirmation of payment of the required non-refundable application fee through  pay.gov  (see 22 CFR §62.7(b)(3) and §62.17).
• WAIVER OF FIVE PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENT : Can sponsors pause their exchange programs due to financial hardship resulting from COVID-19?
• Yes, the Department  will consider requests submitted by sponsors that, pursuant to 22 CFR § §62.8(a), seek a Department waiver, for up to one year, of the requirement that they have no fewer than five actively participating exchange visitors during the annual reporting cycle. Please note, however, that sponsors must keep their designations current throughout any such pause in program. Please contact the Office of Private Sector Exchange Designation to discuss this option.
• SPONSOR ANNUAL REPORTS :   Will the Department allow extensions for filing annual reports required by 22 CFR §62.15(a)?
• No. The Department requires all sponsors to submit annual reports on an academic, calendar, or fiscal year basis, as indicated in their letter of designation or redesignation.  The Department does not foresee any circumstances that would alter the upcoming deadlines.  Annual report narratives should explain program highlights as well as difficulties, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsors are encouraged to provide data and/or narratives on the number of exchange visitors who had to shorten their programs or those who had difficulties with repatriation.
• INSURANCE COVERAGE DURING EXTENSIONS :  Are sponsors required to extend insurance for exchange visitors whose programs are extended beyond the original program end dates? If so, who is financially responsible for the extra insurance?
• Yes, sponsors must require that exchange visitors maintain insurance coverage while participating in an exchange program, from the start to end date of their programs.  Insurance coverage during program extensions should be funded in the same manner as it was funded during exchange visitors’ initial programs.
• ENDED PROGRAMS :  Are sponsors responsible for exchange visitors whose programs have been extended but are no longer pursuing program activities, seeking visa status change, and/or updating sponsors with their whereabouts?
• Sponsors are responsible for exchange visitors who are in “active” status.  As always, they should end in SEVIS the programs of exchange visitors who are no longer pursuing program activities or fail to update sponsors with their whereabouts. To the extent possible, sponsors should assist exchange visitors who are stranded in the United States at their programs’ end due to travel restrictions or border closures.

TRAVEL/ VISA SERVICES (Updated on 5/23/23)

• EXTENSION OF ACADEMIC CATEGORY VISA INTERVIEW WAIVER THROUGH END O F 2023: Can Academic J Visa applicants (secondary and university students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists) continue to receive a waiver of the in-person interview requirement?
• Yes, the Secretary of State has extended previously approved authorities permitting consular officers to temporarily waive the in-person interview requirement for certain academic J visa applicants until December 31, 2023. Eligible applicants include certain academic J visa applicants previously issued any type of visa, or certain first-time applicants who are citizens or nationals of a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) participating country, who have no prior Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) denials, and who have previously traveled to the United States on ESTA.   Consular officers may still require an in-person interview for any visa applicant based on circumstances in their country or any other fact the officer believes may be relevant to visa eligibility. We strongly encourage applicants to review interview waiver availability and guidelines by checking the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate where they are applying.   Consular officers may continue to apply the interview waiver authority which permits certain applicants renewing a previously issued visa in the same classification within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration to be eligible for interview waiver. This authority remains in place until further notice.   For more details on eligibility please visit:  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/important-announcement-on-waivers-of-the-interview-requirement-for-certain-nonimmigrant-visas.html
• Can J1 applicants who have been issued a J visa in the past 48 months qualify for an interview waiver?
• Yes. ​Certain applicants renewing their J visa within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration may be eligible for a waiver of the in-person interview requirement. The Department has removed the requirement that J visa applicants have the same SEVIS number in order to qualify for this waiver.  All J ​visa applicants must continue to present a new Form DS-2019 ​and pay the appropriate visa application processing fee. We strongly encourage applicants to review interview waiver availability and guidelines by checking the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate where they are applying.
• What is the current guidance for J-1 exchange visitors regarding COVID-19 testing and vaccination requirements?
• According to the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, as of 12:01 a.m. EDT on May 12, 2023, noncitizen nonimmigrant air passengers no longer need to show proof of being fully vaccinated with an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to board a flight to the United States. More information here: No Longer in Effect - Amended Order: Implementing Presidential Proclamation on Safe Resumption of Global Travel During the COVID-19 Pandemic | Quarantine | CDC

VISA APPLICATION FEES : For how long is a visa application fee receipt valid?

A nonimmigrant visa application fee receipt is valid to make an appointment one year from the date of payment. This fee is nonrefundable and non-transferrable.

EXPIRED J-VISAS :   Can an exchange visitor in “Active” status whose visa has expired and who departed the United States apply for another visa to reenter the United States to return and continue their programs?

Yes, if the program dates on the Form DS-2019 are still valid. U.S. Embassies and Consulates are phasing in resumption of routine visa services on a country-by-country basis. For more information on the phased-in resumption of visa services, please refer to the following website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/phased-resumption-routine-visa-services.html . For country-specific travel information (including scheduling visa appointments), please refer to the following website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html .

RENEWAL OF J-VISAS : Can special exceptions be made to allow exchange visitors to renew their J-1 visas without traveling back to their home country?

Exchange visitors currently in the United States and actively participating on BridgeUSA programs can remain in the United States even if their visas have expired. They do not need to renew their visas if they do not plan to travel outside of the United States.

• If exchange visitors travel outside of the United States during their current programs and after their J-1 visas have expired, they must apply for new J-1 visas   in order to re-enter the United States to continue their programs. For more information , please refer to the following website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/visa-services-operating-status-update.html
• For country-specific travel information (including scheduling visa appointments), please refer to the following website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html .
• REPATRIATION :   What should sponsors do if exchange visitors experiencing difficulty returning home due to lack of commercially available flights or travel restrictions, among other issues.
• Sponsors should encourage exchange visitors to contact their respective embassy for assistance. Many embassies have special communications on their websites and social media links for their citizens.  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html Exchange visitors should contact their sponsors directly for program specific questions and to keep them apprised of their travel plans. Exchange visitors are also encouraged to retain documentation of their efforts to exit the United States before the end of their grace periods.

If exchange visitors continue to experience difficulties with travel, sponsors should contact the appropriate branch of the Office of Private Sector Exchange Program Administration:

• * Academic and Government Categories: [email protected]
• * Au Pair Category:   [email protected]
• * Intern/Trainee Categories: [email protected]
• * Secondary School Student Category: [email protected]
• * Teacher and Physician Categories: [email protected]
• * Summer Work Travel Category: [email protected]
• * Camp Counselor Category: [email protected]

IMPORTANT: Exchange visitors must keep their U.S. sponsors notified of all travel plans.

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• Immigration

New Bridge Visa Proposal: The Future of Legal Immigration & Workers?

The bridge visa proposal aims to modernize u.s. immigration, offering a flexible solution to match employer demands and migrant aspirations. it introduces a three-year, renewable visa for all skill levels, with a path to permanent residence, addressing economic needs and labor shortages while facilitating integration and circular migration..

Key Takeaways:

• U.S. immigration debate emphasizes border issues, calling for streamlined processes amid increasing migrant flows.
• In a tight labor market, introducing a bridge visa proposal could address labor demands and fuel economic growth.
• The proposed bridge visa offers flexibility, pathways to permanent residency, and responds to labor market needs with expert oversight.

In the complex fabric of the modern U.S. labor market, the conversation around the immigration debate often gets woven tightly with economic needs and policy proposals. One such innovative approach that has been gathering attention is the bridge visa proposal, aimed at introducing a more flexible approach to legal immigration, catering to both employers’ demands and migrants’ aspirations for a better life in the United States.

Why Is the Immigration Debate Focused on the U.S.-Mexico Border?

Recent times have seen the U.S. immigration debate almost exclusively concentrated on the U.S.-Mexico border, more specifically the Texas-Mexico boundary. This spotlight isn’t without reason. A surge in migrants arriving at the border has underscored the pressing need to streamline asylum processing and bolster resources for border agencies and immigration courts. Despite bipartisan legislative efforts, real progress has been difficult, often hindered by election-year politics.

The Economic Argument for Immigration

Underpinning the need for a revised immigration approach is the state of the U.S. economy. With unemployment rates hovering at lows not seen since the 1960s and a staggering 8 to 12 million jobs unfilled every month, there seems to be a clear case for integrating immigrant workers into the workforce.

This tight labor market, fuelled by post-COVID-19 economic resurgence and a slowing labor force growth due to an aging native-born population, positions immigrants and their U.S.-born children as vital contributors to the U.S. labor force’s growth. Forecasts even predict that by 2040, immigrants will be the primary source of U.S. population and workforce expansion.

The Challenge Employers Face

Despite the apparent demand for workers, employers are boxed in by outdated laws — with no significant updates since 1990 — severely limiting their ability to sponsor foreign workers. Currently, the U.S. issues approximately 70,000 green cards annually for workers, primarily those highly skilled, alongside another 70,000 for their spouses and children. Temporary work visa pathways are slightly more plentiful but remain capped and sector-specific, leaving a glaring gap for year-round, middle- or lower-skilled job positions despite evident demand.

Also of Interest:

Top u.s. cities welcoming the most immigrants revealed, google calls for us ai immigration policy reform to attract talent, introducing the bridge visa proposal.

Aiming to address this imbalance, the Migration Policy Institute has proposed the bridge visa — a market-responsive solution permitting employers to sponsor workers across all skill levels and industries. This visa would initially be valid for three years, with the possibility of renewal for another three years for those who remain employed and law-abiding. Post this period, workers could self-sponsor for permanent residence, streamlining their integration into the U.S. workforce.

Key Features of the Bridge Visa

• Flexibility Across Skill Levels and Industries : The bridge visa breaks away from the rigid classifications of current visa categories, offering a broad spectrum of employment opportunities.

Pathway to Permanent Residence : It opens up a more direct route for valued workers seeking to make the U.S. their long-term home, bypassing the long backlogs that plague the current system.

Support for Circular Migration : For those wishing to return to their home countries after working in the U.S., the bridge visa facilitates this process, allowing for multiple reentries based on law compliance and employment sponsorship.

The Role of an Independent Expert Body

A standout feature of the bridge visa proposal is the establishment of an independent body of experts tasked with annual adjustments to the visa cap based on real-time labor market needs, demographic trends, and other relevant factors. This ensures a dynamic response to the evolving economic landscape, free from political gridlock.

Balancing the Labor Market

To protect U.S. workers and maintain wage standards, the proposal includes labor market testing for bridge visa applications, ensuring these foreign workers complement rather than displace domestic labor.

Looking Ahead

The bridge visa presents a promising avenue to meet today’s labor demands, offer flexibility for future needs, and bring order to the U.S. immigration system, ensuring the country remains competitive in the global arena.

For more in-depth information on U.S. immigration policies and visa categories, visit the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website .

In conclusion, this bridge visa proposal embodies a forward-thinking approach to the immigration debate, focusing not just on solving present challenges but also on preparing for future economic and demographic shifts. By marrying the needs of the U.S. economy with a flexible and humane immigration policy, it represents a hopeful stride towards a more balanced and prosperous future for both American businesses and immigrant workers alike.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The bridge visa proposal offers a flexible solution to U.S. immigration, catering to economic needs and migrants’ hopes. With skilled labor shortages and a growing economy, the proposal aims to fill job gaps, support permanent residency, and adapt to changing market demands. A promising step towards a balanced and prosperous future. — By VisaVerge.com

Idaho State House Advances Immigration Legislation : Learn about the passage of bill HB 753 at VisaVerge .

New USCIS Immigration Fees Enacted Post-Court Decision : Discover the implications of updated immigration charges on applicants at VisaVerge .

Alberta’s Updated Immigration Program for Tourism and Hospitality : Get the latest on the Alberta Immigration Program’s Tourism and Hospitality Stream at VisaVerge .

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ከብሪጅ ትራቭል ሶሊውሽን ጋር የነበረኝ ቆይታ በጣም ጥሩ ነበር ። ኘሮሰሱም በዚህ ፍጥነት ያልቃል ብዬ አላሰብኩም ነበር እኔ ዶክመንቶችን በማስገባት ባልዘገይ ኖሮ ኘሮሰሱ በ ሳምንታት ውስጥ ያልቅ ነበር። አገልግሎታቸውም በጣም ፈጣን እና አስደሳች ነበር። በጣም አመሠግናለሁ።”

Nahom Abebe

''Bridge travel solution has kind and humble hospitality with experience, and I'm glad with their services.”

Tsion Ermias

በብሪጅ ትራቭል ሶሊውሽን የሄደች ጓደኛዬ ነበረች የጠቆመችኝ። የሚሠጡት አገልግሎት በጣም ቆንጆ ነው። በጣም የወደድኩት እና ሌሎች ብዙ ኤጀንሲዎች ጋር የማናገኘው ነገር ታማኝነትን ነው ይሄ ስራ መተማመንን የሚጠይቅ እንደመሆኑ እጅግ ታማኝ እና ብቁ ሆነው አግኝቻቸዋለሁ። አመሠግናለሁ

Bereket Jemal

I will definitely recommend your company to my loved ones and anyone who plans to study abroad. Keep up with the excellent work!”

Abraham Mesfin

ብሪጅ ትራቭል ሶሊውሽንን ያገኘሁት ፖላንድ በሚገኝ ጓደኛዬ በኩል ነው። ከላይን አዲስ ጋር የነበረኝ ቆይታ በጣም ጥሩ ነበር ልክ እንደ ጓየኛ ነበር አቀራረባችን የፈለኩትን መረጃ በፈለኩት ሠአት ነበር የማገኘው። ስለ አገልግሎታችሁ እጅግ አድርጌ አመሠግናለሁ።

Betelihem Legesse

The company doesn't work only as an agency that provides services but as a friend who guides. I have been delighted with everything.”

Helen Estifanos

ብሪጅ ትራቭል ሶሊውሽን የተሟላ መረጃ ያላቸዉ ፣ ዎጋቸው ከአገልግሎታቸው ጋር ተመጣጣኝ የሆነ እንዲሁም አገልግሎታቸው ፈጣን እና ቀልጣፋ ነው። ብዙዎች ኘሮሰሳቸውን በላይን አዲስ ጀምረው የአገልግሎቱ ተጠቃሚ እንዲሆኑ እመክራለሁ።

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Significant additional resources in place as US 50 bridge inspection continues

Travel advisory.

Noticias: Importantes recursos adicionales disponibles a medida que continúa la inspección del puente US 50

Montrose, Gunnison and Hinsdale Counties —Crews are making progress on the inspection of the US Highway 50 bridge that crosses Blue Mesa Reservoir at Dillon Pinnacles. Lightweight scaffolding is now in place on the center span of the bridge which expands the methods workers can safely and easily reach the underside of the bridge. The local access route on County Road 26 continues to be in place along with regular maintenance and repairs to prevent damage to the road. CDOT has brought on Kiewit Infrastructure Co., a private sector construction contractor, to support inspection and repairs for the bridge, as well as work on CR 26. Kiewit crews have unique steel bridge expertise and capability to bring additional resources to the engineering teams on site at the bridge and on the local access detour route. At the bridge site, CDOT has also established improved communications coverage, including a web camera viewable on COtrip.org. Rain, snow and thunderstorms are in the forecast through the remainder of the week, and may affect inspection operations and the condition of CR 26.

The bridge was closed on Thursday, April 18 due to safety concerns about a crack identified during a special inspection. Crews are continuing the special inspection to identify if there are more structural concerns with the bridge.. It is critical that inspection work is safe for crews. Establishing access to all sections of the bridge has been time consuming and has required extensive logistics as only a limited amount of weight can be on certain sections of the bridge. CDOT is doing everything possible to keep crews safe while also accessing all parts of the bridge. Scaffolding is now in place to provide access to areas that previously were only accessible by crews harnessed to ropes. Scaffolding is lightweight while still providing enough support for crews to carry out other steps, such as paint removal and ultrasonic testing. Tarps are in place to catch paint or other debris from reaching the reservoir.

During this inspection process, additional areas of concern have been found since the middle bridge closed last Thursday, April 18. The severity of these concerns and the specific repairs that may be needed will be determined after ultrasonic testing results are confirmed. Ultrasonic testing reveals what defects are below the surface of the steel welds and inform key decisions for the bridge. As the inspection continues, engineering teams are working through potential repair options. The goal is to be prepared to carry out repairs as quickly and safely as possible. CDOT is working through multiple repair scenarios that are each being refined as testing is completed.

Kiewit is also assisting with daily road repair on County Road 26. The county road has limited infrastructure and must be regularly monitored and maintained to support commuter traffic in the mornings and evenings. As of Thursday evening, more than 3.5 miles of road base material had been placed on the roadway to maintain the local access route. Crews are closely watching incoming weather and are prepared to deal with any road damage that is worsened by wet and muddy conditions.

Commuters should continue to anticipate pilot car operations on County Road 26. Commercial vehicles exceeding a 16,001 gross vehicle weight rating are prohibited. Trailers of any kind are also prohibited from using this route. Aside from the limited morning and evening commuter hours, the road will remain closed at all other times for the ongoing restoration work needed to ensure the road remains safe for travel. Please see below for the County Road schedule.

CDOT has also placed communications equipment and cameras at the bridge, which can be viewed on COtrip using this US 50 cameras link . Limited cell service should soon be available near the southern section of CR 26, which is remote.

CDOT and partner agencies held a virtual public meeting the evening of Tuesday, April 23, to provide the latest info to the community about the US 50 Blue Mesa bridge closure. The meeting was recorded and can be viewed in English at this link: US 50 Blue Mesa Bridge Emergency Repairs Public Meeting 4-23-24 . CDOT is posting the Spanish language recording as soon as it is available.

Traffic Impacts

• US 50 is closed between Montrose and Gunnison
• Recommended alternate routes are I-70 to the north or US 160 to the south
• Westbound travel - 6:30 to 7 a.m. and 6:30 to 7 p.m.
• Eastbound travel - 7:30 to 8 a.m. and 7:30 to 8 p.m.

Contact Information

For additional information, please contact the team.

• Call the project information line at 970-648-4423
• Email the project team at: [email protected]
• Visit the project website at: bit.ly/us50bridge
• Fact Sheets: County 26 Local Access (English) , Ruta de acceso local en la County Road 26 (Espanol)

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter , Facebook , Instagram and YouTube

Download the COtrip App!

The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!

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Cuba announces visa exemption for chinese travelers.

China-based online travel platforms reported a 40-percent jump in searches for keywords related to Cuba following the announcement of visa-free tour for Chinese travelers on May 5.

The new policy allows Chinese passport holders to enter Cuba visa-free this month, the country's minister for tourism Juan Carlos Garcia announced, in a move aimed at boosting engagement and cooperation between the two countries.

Havana also announced that China would be a guest country during Cuba's 2025 tourism festival, adding that direct air flights would resume on May 17.

Flights on a Beijing-Madrid-Havana route operated by Air China are set to resume on May 17, currently the only route between China and Cuba.

The visa exemption will ramp up Chinese people's interest in traveling to Latin America, a region boasting unique cultural and natural landmarks.

The recent opening and resumption of direct flights between China and Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, and other Latin American destinations will significantly reduce the time and cost for Chinese travelers, according to Trip.com.

Another travel platform Qunar.com revealed that Cuba is a popular destination for 14-day tour packages in China, with the two most attractive cities being Havana and Varadero.

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Chinese Demand for U.S. Tourist Visas ‘Nowhere Near’ Pre-Pandemic Levels

Dawit Habtemariam , Skift

May 4th, 2024 at 6:19 PM EDT

It's not a good sign for the U.S. if Chinese tourists — the destination's biggest spending market in 2019 — aren't interested in visas.

Dawit Habtemariam

Chinese tourists aren’t rushing to get a U.S. visitor visa like they did before the pandemic, according to a State Department official speaking Saturday at IPW , a travel trade conference focused on international inbound travel.

“We’ve already seen a tripling of the visa applications in China from last year, but we’re nowhere near where we were before,” said Julie Stufft, deputy assistant secretary for visa services. “We’re still seeing a very, very small portion of what we saw in 2019 from China.”

It’s a big change. “China used to be our biggest visa-issuing post in the world,” she said. “We did more visa [allocations] in China pre-pandemic than anywhere else.”

Millions of Chinese tourist visas come up for renewal next year. U.S. visitor visas last for 10 years before they have to be renewed. Stufft said the State Department is ready for the surge when it comes.

Chinese tourism to the U.S. is below 60% of its pre-pandemic level, said Alex Lasry, deputy assistant secretary for travel and tourism at the International Trade Administration.

Before the pandemic, China was the U.S.’s top tourism market in terms of spend. Chinese tourists spent over $30 billion in 2019, said Brand USA CEO and President Chris Thompson in an interview last year with Skift .

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Tags: asia , china , tourism , U.S. State Department , visa

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At the Top of the Golden Gate Bridge, Governor Newsom Announces Tourism Spending Hit an All-Time High in California

Published: May 05, 2024

California remains the #1 state for tourism

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : New data released today shows that California continues to have the largest market share of tourism in the nation, with travel spending in the state reaching an all-time record high of $150.4 billion last year.

SAN FRANCISCO – Governor Gavin Newsom and Visit California CEO Caroline Beteta today announced that travel spending in the state reached an all-time high of $150.4 billion last year, surpassing the record $144.9 billion spent in 2019. This comes after the state retained its title as the  world’s 5th largest economy  and had a  population increase , both of which are directly tied to California’s nation-leading tourism and entertainment industries.

VIDEO: Gov. Newsom makes announcement at the top of the Golden Gate Bridge

WHAT GOVERNOR NEWSOM SAID : “From our world-renowned coastline, to the world’s tallest trees, to our iconic cities and theme parks, California is the nation’s coming attraction. Visitors from all over the world are coming here to experience the wonder of the Golden State, boosting our economy and creating good-paying jobs for years to come.”

BY THE NUMBERS : The Economic Impact of Travel in California, prepared by Dean Runyan Associates and released by Visit California, detailed spending that is 3.8% higher than 2019 and 5.6% higher than 2022.  Spending exceeded 2019 levels in a majority of counties.

WHAT VISIT CALIFORNIA CEO BETETA SAID : “California tourism is back where it belongs – setting records and providing for the workers, business owners and all Californians who depend on the travel industry as a cornerstone of our state’s economy. The industry has once again proved its ability to recover from any challenge, whether it be economic or environmental. California continues to be the largest, most diverse and most resilient tourism economy in the United States.”

WHAT THIS MEANS : California has the largest market share of tourism in the nation. The new travel-spending record generated $12.7 billion in state and local tax revenue by visitors in 2023, marking a 3% increase over 2019. Tourism created 64,900 new jobs in 2023, bringing total industry employment to 1,155,000.

California remains the  5th largest economy in the world  for the seventh consecutive year, with a nominal GDP of nearly $3.9 trillion in 2023 and a growth rate of 6.1% since the year prior, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. California’s per capita GDP is the second largest among large economies.

In addition to visiting the state, more people are moving to California. Earlier this week, Governor Newsom  announced  the state’s population is increasing for the first time since the pandemic.

The Golden State, which has the most equitable tax system in the  entire country , is #1 in the nation for new  business starts , #1 for access to venture capital  funding , and the #1 state for tourism  spending ,  manufacturing ,  high-tech , and  agriculture .

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• Local Media Release

CBP Arrests Mexican National at the Peace Bridge for Possession of Child Pornography

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Port of Buffalo, Peace Bridge border-crossing, arrested a 52-year-old male Mexican citizen, who was found in possession of child pornography.

On April 26, CBP officers encountered 52-year-old Marco Barajas Barron, who was operating a commercial vehicle and was refused entry to Canada after a wrong turn. Upon arriving at the CBP primary inspection area, the driver was escorted to secondary for further inspection.

During the secondary inspection, CBP officers verified the identity of the driver and discovered additional information indicating suspected illegal activity. Further investigation revealed that Barajas Barron possessed child pornographic material.

“Our CBP officers are among the best at identifying nefarious actors as part of their border security mission,” said Buffalo Port Director Gaetano Cordone. “We continue to successfully collaborate with our local law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.” 

After CBP processing, the driver and suspected child pornographic material were turned over to the Buffalo Police Department . The subject was subsequently charged with felony charges of possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child.

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U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the comprehensive management, control, and protection of our nation’s borders, combining customs, immigration, border security, and agricultural protection at and between official ports of entry.