Phase-out of TraiNet Desktop by June 30, 2008
USAID is no longer funding the maintenance of TraiNet Desktop. As of June 30, 2008, USAID will no longer fund, and Development InfoStructure (Devis) will no longer provide, Desktop-related Service Desk support. Also as of June 30, 2008, USAID will no longer cover any data migration costs on behalf of USAID Missions or partners. Effective September 30, 2008, current users will no longer have access to TraiNet Desktop and must use TraiNet Web exclusively.
All sites who have active programs in TraiNet Desktop, or who have recently submitted data using TraiNet Desktop have been contacted by the USAID TraiNet/VCS Service Desk. Specific instructions have been given to update and transfer data in preparation for the TraiNet Web migration. TraiNet Operators at these sites should not delay in making the necessary updates and transferring the data as per the instructions provided.
If you have any questions, please contact the Service Desk at jvisa@devis.com.
TraiNet Web Version 1.26 (released June 19, 2008)
Web-based TraiNet is available here. This product runs from a web browser with the capability to record multiple training instances and multiple exchange visitors for U.S., third-country, in-country and regional education and exchange programs.
TraiNet Web update #26 has just been released (June 19th, 2008). Version 1.26 will automate certain processes that were previously being handled manually. The goal with these exciting new features is to isolate the impact of individual participant changes that previously affected all participants in a U.S. program. A brief description of these features can be found below.
Relocate a participant to a new program when his or her information differs from the rest of the group
In the past, problems arose when the start or end date of one participant in a group had to be changed independently of the other participants. TraiNet now provides an option to move a participant out of the current program and into his or her own program where you can update any information without affecting the rest of the group. When you do this, you will be prompted to adjust the original program's budget so that the subtraction of one or more participants does not alter the funding amounts in VCS for the other participants.
Update funding when a participant has been added to a U.S. program
Currently, when a program has already been submitted to the VCS and a new participant is added, the change in the number of participants causes VCS to recalculate the per participant funding amounts, and as a result, all participant records in VCS are updated and queued for the Verifier. Using the new process, TraiNet users will be prompted to adjust the funding for the program to keep the original values in the VCS.
Update funding when a participant has been cancelled from a U.S. program
Currently, when a program has already been submitted to VCS and one or more participants are cancelled, the new number of active participants causes VCS to recalculate the per participant funding amounts and as a result all participant records in VCS are updated and queued for the Verifier. Using the new process, TraiNet users will be prompted to adjust the funding for the program to keep the original values in the VCS.
Other Changes and Additions
- Users may now clone (copy) IC, TC and U.S. programs.
- Birth city may not be longer than 34 characters. TraiNet will automatically check for maximum length.
- Adjustments to several reports
If you have any questions about this update, please contact the Help Desk at:
Email: jvisa@devis.com
Phone: +1-703-527-4340
Visa Compliance System Version 2.7 - Latest Updates (release date: April 2008)
The most recent version of the Visa Compliance System was released April 2008. Enhancements include the following items listed below:
- When a user is logged into the system and inactive for 25 minutes the system will pop up a warning message. If the user stays inactive for an additional 5 minutes they will be logged out.
- Email notifications will be sent to Verifiers and Approvers when dependents of Exchange Visitors are sent to the VCS for the first time. Emails will not be sent for other dependent change requests.
- Termination and End-Program updates have been made to coincide with the TraiNet enhancements mentioned above.
- The About, Contact and Site Disclosure text has been updated.
- If Non-USAID funding is added in TraiNet the Verifier must also enter the amount and source in the VCS. This interface has been enhanced.
If you have any questions about how to use the VCS, or any of the latest features, please contact the Service Desk at jvisa@devis.com .
Issuance of ADS 252, Visa Compliance for Exchange Visitors
This chapter provides policy directives and required procedures for foreign nationals traveling to the United States (U.S.), who are financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly by USAID, for training, non-training, and invitational travel events. It will be available for download on USAID's website at http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/200/
TraiNet’s OMB Approval Extended
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, OMB has approved USAID's request to extend TraiNet through 30 November 2007.
The current version of TraiNet installed on most desktops lists an OMB expiration date of 2004. The notice received from OMB effectively extends this through November 2007. That this expiration date has passed will not change the way TraiNet functions, so please continue to use it as you have been.
CBS News Article: Bogus Passports Pose Problem
(AP) Stolen blank passports in the hundreds of thousands, along with millions of other virgin documents, allow known terrorists to breeze across borders, Interpol officials said.
Debunking the Myth of the Two Year Residency Requirement
It is common knowledge that exchange visitors who travel to the United States on a J-1 visa sponsored by USAID are subject to a two-year residence requirement at the end of their program. Many people firmly believe this means that a participant cannot leave his/her home country for two years, or cannot return to the U.S. for more training or even for pleasure. This is wrong. Yes, there are restrictions on travel to the U.S., but in fact they are quite minimal.
For Your Information
- Visa Compliance System Login: Verifiers and Approvers, login to the Visa Compliance System at https://vcs.usaid.gov/ and check or act on the status of exchange visitors in your queue.
- Newsletter:Take a look at our most recent newsletter posted June 19, 2008 or
consult our newsletter archive. - Mailing List: Subscribe to our TraiNet-Announce mailing list and
we'll inform you via email about TraiNet and VCS issues. - Policy Documents and Forms: ADS 253, Supplementary References, and Forms
are available here on the USAID web site.