Conditions of Sponsorship Announcement from USAID RO (Updated)

This is in reference to AID Form 1381-6, Conditions of Sponsorship.

I wanted to take this opportunity to emphasize the importance of ensuring that all exchange visitors (EVs) sponsored by USAID for travel to the United States completely understand and sign the most recent version of AID Form 1381-6 Conditions of Sponsorship for J-1 Visa Holders, dated August of 2005 (08/05). This form can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid1381-6.doc.

The Conditions of Sponsorship form contains important information that Exchange Visitors must be aware of before they accept USAID sponsorship. It is important that sponsoring units ensure pre-departure orientations, whether conducted by the Mission or by a partner organization, include a thorough explanation of this form before the Exchange Visitor signs it. This may mean translating the form in certain circumstances.

Though all items contained in the form are important, I want to highlight a few.

• Two-year home residency requirement – all Exchange Visitors should be aware of this requirement, as it has a significant affect on their rights. Because they receive government funds, USAID Exchange Visitors are not eligible for permanent residency in the United States and they are not eligible for certain non-immigrant visas until they have satisfied the J-1 Visa's two-year home-residency requirement. Please make sure that they understand that once they return home, they are free to travel anywhere they want, as often as they want during this two year or twenty four month period. But, they cannot apply for permanent residency in the U.S. until the two year home residency requirement has been met.
• Immediate return to the home country – USAID requires that all of its EV's depart the United States within three calendar days of the end of their program. Those who refuse to do so may have their record terminated in the Department of Homeland Security's SEVIS system. Many times, Exchange Visitors are aware that DHS rules permit them 30 days after their program end date to depart the United States. It is important to inform EV's that, regardless of what DHS allows, violating the USAID three-day grace period is grounds for termination in SEVIS. EV's should be notified that termination in SEVIS means that they must leave the United States immediately, and that it can affect their ability to enter the United States in the future.
• Bills of collection – finally, it should be emphasized to all EV's that if they fail to return to their home country in a timely fashion, or otherwise violate their conditions of sponsorship, USAID will very likely require them to repay the Agency for all costs associated with their sponsorship. Please make absolutely certain that you are using the Conditions of Sponsorship form dated 08/05, as it is this most recent version that clearly articulates USAID's right to send a bill of collection, and the EV's acknowledgement of a repayment requirement.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Thank you.

James Nindel, Responsible Officer, USAID/EGAT/ED.