§1184. Admission of nonimmigrants

(a) Regulations

(1) The admission to the United States of any alien as a nonimmigrant shall be for such time and under such conditions as the Attorney General may by regulations prescribe, including when he deems necessary the giving of a bond with sufficient surety in such sum and containing such conditions as the Attorney General shall prescribe, to insure that at the expiration of such time or upon failure to maintain the status under which he was admitted, or to maintain any status subsequently acquired under section 1258 of this title, such alien will depart from the United States. No alien admitted to Guam without a visa pursuant to section 1182(l) of this title may be authorized to enter or stay in the United States other than in Guam or to remain in Guam for a period exceeding fifteen days from date of admission to Guam. No alien admitted to the United States without a visa pursuant to section 1187 of this title may be authorized to remain in the United States as a nonimmigrant visitor for a period exceeding 90 days from the date of admission.

(2)(A) The period of authorized status as a nonimmigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(O) of this title shall be for such period as the Attorney General may specify in order to provide for the event (or events) for which the nonimmigrant is admitted.

(B) The period of authorized status as a nonimmigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(P) of this title shall be for such period as the Attorney General may specify in order to provide for the competition, event, or performance for which the nonimmigrant is admitted. In the case of nonimmigrants admitted as individual athletes under section 1101(a)(15)(P) of this title, the period of authorized status may be for an initial period (not to exceed 5 years) during which the nonimmigrant will perform as an athlete and such period may be extended by the Attorney General for an additional period of up to 5 years.

(b) Presumption of status; written waiver

Every alien (other than a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (H)(i) or (L) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title) shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for a visa, and the immigration officers, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status under section 1101(a)(15) of this title. An alien who is an officer or employee of any foreign government or of any international organization entitled to enjoy privileges, exemptions, and immunities under the International Organizations Immunities Act [22 U.S.C. 288 et seq.], or an alien who is the attendant, servant, employee, or member of the immediate family of any such alien shall not be entitled to apply for or receive an immigrant visa, or to enter the United States as an immigrant unless he executes a written waiver in the same form and substance as is prescribed by section 1257(b) of this title.

(c) Petition of importing employer; involvement of Departments of Labor and Agriculture

(1) The question of importing any alien as a nonimmigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(H), (L), (O), or (P)(i) of this title in any specific case or specific cases shall be determined by the Attorney General, after consultation with appropriate agencies of the Government, upon petition of the importing employer. Such petition, shall be made and approved before the visa is granted. The petition shall be in such form and contain such information as the Attorney General shall prescribe. The approval of such a petition shall not, of itself, be construed as establishing that the alien is a nonimmigrant. For purposes of this subsection with respect to nonimmigrants described in section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of this title, the term "appropriate agencies of Government" means the Department of Labor and includes the Department of Agriculture. The provisions of section 1188 of this title shall apply to the question of importing any alien as a nonimmigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of this title.

(2)(A) The Attorney General shall provide for a procedure under which an importing employer which meets requirements established by the Attorney General may file a blanket petition to import aliens as nonimmigrants described in section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this title instead of filing individual petitions under paragraph (1) to import such aliens. Such procedure shall permit the expedited processing of visas for entry of aliens covered under such a petition.

(B) For purposes of section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this title, an alien is considered to be serving in a capacity involving specialized knowledge with respect to a company if the alien has a special knowledge of the company product and its application in international markets or has an advanced level of knowledge of processes and procedures of the company.

(C) The Attorney General shall provide a process for reviewing and acting upon petitions under this subsection with respect to nonimmigrants described in section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this title within 30 days after the date a completed petition has been filed.

(D) The period of authorized admission for-

(i) a nonimmigrant admitted to render services in a managerial or executive capacity under section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this title shall not exceed 7 years, or

(ii) a nonimmigrant admitted to render services in a capacity that involves specialized knowledge under section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this title shall not exceed 5 years.

(3) The Attorney General shall approve a petition-

(A) with respect to a nonimmigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(O)(i) of this title only after consultation in accordance with paragraph (6) or, with respect to aliens seeking entry for a motion picture or television production, after consultation with the appropriate union representing the alien's occupational peers and a management organization in the area of the alien's ability, or

(B) with respect to a nonimmigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(O)(ii) of this title after consultation in accordance with paragraph (6) or, in the case of such an alien seeking entry for a motion picture or television production, after consultation with such a labor organization and a management organization in the area of the alien's ability.

In the case of an alien seeking entry for a motion picture or television production, (i) any opinion under the previous sentence shall only be advisory, (ii) any such opinion that recommends denial must be in writing, (iii) in making the decision the Attorney General shall consider the exigencies and scheduling of the production, and (iv) the Attorney General shall append to the decision any such opinion. The Attorney General shall provide by regulation for the waiver of the consultation requirement under subparagraph (A) in the case of aliens who have been admitted as nonimmigrants under section 1101(a)(15)(O)(i) of this title because of extraordinary ability in the arts and who seek readmission to perform similar services within 2 years after the date of a consultation under such subparagraph. Not later than 5 days after the date such a waiver is provided, the Attorney General shall forward a copy of the petition and all supporting documentation to the national office of an appropriate labor organization.

(4)(A) For purposes of section 1101(a)(15)(P)(i)(a) of this title, an alien is described in this subparagraph if the alien-

(i) performs as an athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance, and

(ii) seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of performing as such an athlete with respect to a specific athletic competition.

(B)(i) For purposes of section 1101(a)(15)(P)(i)(b) of this title, an alien is described in this subparagraph if the alien-

(I) performs with or is an integral and essential part of the performance of an entertainment group that has (except as provided in clause (ii)) been recognized internationally as being outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time,

(II) in the case of a performer or entertainer, except as provided in clause (iii), has had a sustained and substantial relationship with that group (ordinarily for at least one year) and provides functions integral to the performance of the group, and

(III) seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of performing as such a performer or entertainer or as an integral and essential part of a performance.

(ii) In the case of an entertainment group that is recognized nationally as being outstanding in its discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time, the Attorney General may, in consideration of special circumstances, waive the international recognition requirement of clause (i)(I).

(iii)(I) The one-year relationship requirement of clause (i)(II) shall not apply to 25 percent of the performers and entertainers in a group.

(II) The Attorney General may waive such one-year relationship requirement for an alien who because of illness or unanticipated and exigent circumstances replaces an essential member of the group and for an alien who augments the group by performing a critical role.

(iv) The requirements of subclauses (I) and (II) of clause (i) shall not apply to alien circus personnel who perform as part of a circus or circus group or who constitute an integral and essential part of the performance of such circus or circus group, but only if such personnel are entering the United States to join a circus that has been recognized nationally as outstanding for a sustained and substantial period of time or as part of such a circus.

(C) A person may petition the Attorney General for classification of an alien as a nonimmigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(P) of this title.

(D) The Attorney General shall approve petitions under this subsection with respect to nonimmigrants described in clause (i) or (iii) of section 1101(a)(15)(P) of this title only after consultation in accordance with paragraph (6).

(E) The Attorney General shall approve petitions under this subsection for nonimmigrants described in section 1101(a)(15)(P)(ii) of this title only after consultation with labor organizations representing artists and entertainers in the United States.

(5)(A) In the case of an alien who is provided nonimmigrant status under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) or 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of this title and who is dismissed from employment by the employer before the end of the period of authorized admission, the employer shall be liable for the reasonable costs of return transportation of the alien abroad.

(B) In the case of an alien who enters the United States in nonimmigrant status under section 1101(a)(15)(O) or 1101(a)(15)(P) of this title and whose employment terminates for reasons other than voluntary resignation, the employer whose offer of employment formed the basis of such nonimmigrant status and the petitioner are jointly and severally liable for the reasonable cost of return transportation of the alien abroad. The petitioner shall provide assurance satisfactory to the Attorney General that the reasonable cost of that transportation will be provided.

(6)(A)(i) To meet the consultation requirement of paragraph (3)(A) in the case of a petition for a nonimmigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(O)(i) of this title (other than with respect to aliens seeking entry for a motion picture or television production), the petitioner shall submit with the petition an advisory opinion from a peer group (or other person or persons of its choosing, which may include a labor organization) with expertise in the specific field involved.

(ii) To meet the consultation requirement of paragraph (3)(B) in the case of a petition for a nonimmigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(O)(ii) of this title (other than with respect to aliens seeking entry for a motion picture or television production), the petitioner shall submit with the petition an advisory opinion from a labor organization with expertise in the skill area involved.

(iii) To meet the consultation requirement of paragraph (4)(D) in the case of a petition for a nonimmigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(P)(i) or 1101(a)(15)(P)(iii) of this title, the petitioner shall submit with the petition an advisory opinion from a labor organization with expertise in the specific field of athletics or entertainment involved.

(B) To meet the consultation requirements of subparagraph (A), unless the petitioner submits with the petition an advisory opinion from an appropriate labor organization, the Attorney General shall forward a copy of the petition and all supporting documentation to the national office of an appropriate labor organization within 5 days of the date of receipt of the petition. If there is a collective bargaining representative of an employer's employees in the occupational classification for which the alien is being sought, that representative shall be the appropriate labor organization.

(C) In those cases in which a petitioner described in subparagraph (A) establishes that an appropriate peer group (including a labor organization) does not exist, the Attorney General shall adjudicate the petition without requiring an advisory opinion.

(D) Any person or organization receiving a copy of a petition described in subparagraph (A) and supporting documents shall have no more than 15 days following the date of receipt of such documents within which to submit a written advisory opinion or comment or to provide a letter of no objection. Once the 15-day period has expired and the petitioner has had an opportunity, where appropriate, to supply rebuttal evidence, the Attorney General shall adjudicate such petition in no more than 14 days. The Attorney General may shorten any specified time period for emergency reasons if no unreasonable burden would be thus imposed on any participant in the process.

(E)(i) The Attorney General shall establish by regulation expedited consultation procedures in the case of nonimmigrant artists or entertainers described in section 1101(a)(15)(O) or 1101(a)(15)(P) of this title to accommodate the exigencies and scheduling of a given production or event.

(ii) The Attorney General shall establish by regulation expedited consultation procedures in the case of nonimmigrant athletes described in section 1101(a)(15)(O)(i) or 1101(a)(15)(P)(i) of this title in the case of emergency circumstances (including trades during a season).

(F) No consultation required under this subsection by the Attorney General with a nongovernmental entity shall be construed as permitting the Attorney General to delegate any authority under this subsection to such an entity. The Attorney General shall give such weight to advisory opinions provided under this section as the Attorney General determines, in his sole discretion, to be appropriate.

(7) If a petition is filed and denied under this subsection, the Attorney General shall notify the petitioner of the determination and the reasons for the denial and of the process by which the petitioner may appeal the determination.

(8) The Attorney General shall submit annually to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and of the Senate a report describing, with respect to petitions under each subcategory of subparagraphs (H), (O), (P), and (Q) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title the following:

(A) The number of such petitions which have been filed.

(B) The number of such petitions which have been approved and the number of workers (by occupation) included in such approved petitions.

(C) The number of such petitions which have been denied and the number of workers (by occupation) requested in such denied petitions.

(D) The number of such petitions which have been withdrawn.

(E) The number of such petitions which are awaiting final action.

(d) Issuance of visa to fiancee or fiance of citizen

A visa shall not be issued under the provisions of section 1101(a)(15)(K) of this title until the consular officer has received a petition filed in the United States by the fiancee and fiance of the applying alien and approved by the Attorney General. The petition shall be in such form and contain such information as the Attorney General shall, by regulation, prescribe. It shall be approved only after satisfactory evidence is submitted by the petitioner to establish that the parties have previously met in person within 2 years before the date of filing the petition, have a bona fide intention to marry, and are legally able and actually willing to conclude a valid marriage in the United States within a period of ninety days after the alien's arrival, except that the Attorney General in his discretion may waive the requirement that the parties have previously met in person. In the event the marriage with the petitioner does not occur within three months after the entry of the said alien and minor children, they shall be required to depart from the United States and upon failure to do so shall be deported in accordance with sections 1252 and 1253 of this title.

(e) Nonimmigrant professionals and annual numerical limit

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an alien who is a citizen of Canada and seeks to enter the United States under and pursuant to the provisions of Annex 1502.1 (United States of America), Part C-Professionals, of the United States-Canada Free-Trade Agreement to engage in business activities at a professional level as provided for therein may be admitted for such purpose under regulations of the Attorney General promulgated after consultation with the Secretaries of State and Labor.

(2) An alien who is a citizen of Canada or Mexico, and the spouse and children of any such alien if accompanying or following to join such alien, who seeks to enter the United States under and pursuant to the provisions of Section D of Annex 1603 of the North American Free Trade Agreement (in this subsection referred to as "NAFTA") to engage in business activities at a professional level as provided for in such Annex, may be admitted for such purpose under regulations of the Attorney General promulgated after consultation with the Secretaries of State and Labor. For purposes of this chapter, including the issuance of entry documents and the application of subsection (b) of this section, such alien shall be treated as if seeking classification, or classifiable, as a nonimmigrant under section 1101(a)(15) of this title. The admission of an alien who is a citizen of Mexico shall be subject to paragraphs (3), (4), and (5). For purposes of this paragraph and paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), the term "citizen of Mexico" means "citizen" as defined in Annex 1608 of NAFTA.

(3) The Attorney General shall establish an annual numerical limit on admissions under paragraph (2) of aliens who are citizens of Mexico, as set forth in Appendix 1603.D.4 of Annex 1603 of the NAFTA. Subject to paragraph (4), the annual numerical limit-

(A) beginning with the second year that NAFTA is in force, may be increased in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 5(a) of Section D of such Annex, and

(B) shall cease to apply as provided for in paragraph 3 of such Appendix.

(4) The annual numerical limit referred to in paragraph (3) may be increased or shall cease to apply (other than by operation of paragraph 3 of such Appendix) only if-

(A) the President has obtained advice regarding the proposed action from the appropriate advisory committees established under section 2155 of title 19;

(B) the President has submitted a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives that sets forth-

(i) the action proposed to be taken and the reasons therefor, and

(ii) the advice obtained under subparagraph (A);

(C) a period of at least 60 calendar days that begins on the first day on which the President has met the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) with respect to such action has expired; and

(D) the President has consulted with such committees regarding the proposed action during the period referred to in subparagraph (C).

(5) During the period that the provisions of Appendix 1603.D.4 of Annex 1603 of the NAFTA apply, the entry of an alien who is a citizen of Mexico under and pursuant to the provisions of Section D of Annex 1603 of NAFTA shall be subject to the attestation requirement of section 1182(m) of this title, in the case of a registered nurse, or the application requirement of section 1182(n) of this title, in the case of all other professions set out in Appendix 1603.D.1 of Annex 1603 of NAFTA, and the petition requirement of subsection (c) of this section, to the extent and in the manner prescribed in regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor, with respect to sections 1182(m) and 1182(n) of this title, and the Attorney General, with respect to subsection (c) of this section.

(f) Denial of crewmember status in case of certain labor disputes

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), no alien shall be entitled to nonimmigrant status described in section 1101(a)(15)(D) of this title if the alien intends to land for the purpose of performing service on board a vessel of the United States (as defined in section 2101(46) of title 46) or on an aircraft of an air carrier (as defined in section 40102(a)(2) of title 49) during a labor dispute where there is a strike or lockout in the bargaining unit of the employer in which the alien intends to perform such service.

(2) An alien described in paragraph (1)-

(A) may not be paroled into the United States pursuant to section 1182(d)(5) of this title unless the Attorney General determines that the parole of such alien is necessary to protect the national security of the United States; and

(B) shall be considered not to be a bona fide crewman for purposes of section 1282(b) of this title.

(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to an alien if the air carrier or owner or operator of such vessel that employs the alien provides documentation that satisfies the Attorney General that the alien-

(A) has been an employee of such employer for a period of not less than 1 year preceding the date that a strike or lawful lockout commenced;

(B) has served as a qualified crewman for such employer at least once in each of 3 months during the 12-month period preceding such date; and

(C) shall continue to provide the same services that such alien provided as such a crewman.

(g) Temporary workers and trainees; limitation on numbers

(1) The total number of aliens who may be issued visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status during any fiscal year (beginning with fiscal year 1992)-

(A) under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title may not exceed 65,000, or

(B) under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of this title may not exceed 66,000.

(2) The numerical limitations of paragraph (1) shall only apply to principal aliens and not to the spouses or children of such aliens.

(3) Aliens who are subject to the numerical limitations of paragraph (1) shall be issued visas (or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status) in the order in which petitions are filed for such visas or status.

(4) In the case of a nonimmigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title, the period of authorized admission as such a nonimmigrant may not exceed 6 years.

(h) Intention to abandon foreign residence

The fact that an alien is the beneficiary of an application for a preference status filed under section 1154 of this title or has otherwise sought permanent residence in the United States shall not constitute evidence of an intention to abandon a foreign residence for purposes of obtaining a visa as a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (H)(i) or (L) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title or otherwise obtaining or maintaining the status of a nonimmigrant described in such subparagraph, if the alien had obtained a change of status under section 1258 of this title to a classification as such a nonimmigrant before the alien's most recent departure from the United States.

(i) "Specialty occupation" defined

(1) For purposes of section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title and paragraph (2), the term "specialty occupation" means an occupation that requires-

(A) theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge, and

(B) attainment of a bachelor's or higher degree in the specific specialty (or its equivalent) as a minimum for entry into the occupation in the United States.

(2) For purposes of section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title, the requirements of this paragraph, with respect to a specialty occupation, are-

(A) full state licensure to practice in the occupation, if such licensure is required to practice in the occupation,

(B) completion of the degree described in paragraph (1)(B) for the occupation, or

(C)(i) experience in the specialty equivalent to the completion of such degree, and (ii) recognition of expertise in the specialty through progressively responsible positions relating to the specialty.

(j) ¹ Labor disputes

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, an alien who is a citizen of Canada or Mexico who seeks to enter the United States under and pursuant to the provisions of Section B, Section C, or Section D of Annex 1603 of the North American Free Trade Agreement, shall not be classified as a nonimmigrant under such provisions if there is in progress a strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute in the occupational classification at the place or intended place of employment, unless such alien establishes, pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Attorney General, that the alien's entry will not affect adversely the settlement of the strike or lockout or the employment of any person who is involved in the strike or lockout. Notice of a determination under this subsection shall be given as may be required by paragraph 3 of article 1603 of such Agreement. For purposes of this subsection, the term "citizen of Mexico" means "citizen" as defined in Annex 1608 of such Agreement.

(j) ¹ Numerical limitations; period of admission; conditions for admission and stay; annual report

(1) The number of aliens who may be provided a visa as nonimmigrants under section 1101(a)(15)(S)(i) of this title in any fiscal year may not exceed 100. The number of aliens who may be provided a visa as nonimmigrants under section 1101(a)(15)(S)(ii) of this title in any fiscal year may not exceed 25.

(2) No alien may be admitted into the United States as such a nonimmigrant more than 5 years after September 13, 1994.

(3) The period of admission of an alien as such a nonimmigrant may not exceed 3 years. Such period may not be extended by the Attorney General.

(4) As a condition for the admission, and continued stay in lawful status, of such a nonimmigrant, the nonimmigrant-

(A) shall report not less often than quarterly to the Attorney General such information concerning the alien's whereabouts and activities as the Attorney General may require;

(B) may not be convicted of any criminal offense punishable by a term of imprisonment of 1 year or more after the date of such admission;

(C) must have executed a form that waives the nonimmigrant's right to contest, other than on the basis of an application for withholding of deportation, any action for deportation of the alien instituted before the alien obtains lawful permanent resident status; and

(D) shall abide by any other condition, limitation, or restriction imposed by the Attorney General.

(5) The Attorney General shall submit a report annually to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate concerning-

(A) the number of such nonimmigrants admitted;

(B) the number of successful criminal prosecutions or investigations resulting from cooperation of such aliens;

(C) the number of terrorist acts prevented or frustrated resulting from cooperation of such aliens;

(D) the number of such nonimmigrants whose admission or cooperation has not resulted in successful criminal prosecution or investigation or the prevention or frustration of a terrorist act; and

(E) the number of such nonimmigrants who have failed to report quarterly (as required under paragraph (4)) or who have been convicted of crimes in the United States after the date of their admission as such a nonimmigrant.

(k) Restrictions on waiver

(1) In the case of a request by an interested State agency for a waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement under section 1182(e) of this title with respect to an alien described in clause (iii) of that section, the Attorney General shall not grant such waiver unless-

(A) in the case of an alien who is otherwise contractually obligated to return to a foreign country, the government of such country furnishes the Director of the United States Information Agency with a statement in writing that it has no objection to such waiver;

(B) the alien demonstrates a bona fide offer of full-time employment at a health facility and agrees to begin employment at such facility within 90 days of receiving such waiver and agrees to continue to work in accordance with paragraph (2) at the health care facility in which the alien is employed for a total of not less than 3 years (unless the Attorney General determines that extenuating circumstances such as the closure of the facility or hardship to the alien would justify a lesser period of time);

(C) the alien agrees to practice medicine in accordance with paragraph (2) for a total of not less than 3 years only in the geographic area or areas which are designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as having a shortage of health care professionals; and

(D) the grant of such waiver would not cause the number of waivers allotted for that State for that fiscal year to exceed twenty.

(2)(A) Notwithstanding section 1258(2) of this title, the Attorney General may change the status of an alien that qualifies under this subsection and section 1182(e) of this title to that of an alien described in section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title.

(B) No person who has obtained a change of status under subparagraph (A) and who has failed to fulfill the terms of a contract with a health facility shall be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, for permanent residence, or for any other change of nonimmigrant status until it is established that such person has resided and been physically present in the country of his nationality or his last residence for an aggregate of at least two years following departure from the United States.

(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, the two-year foreign residence requirement under section 1182(e) of this title shall apply with respect to an alien described in clause (iii) of that section, who has not otherwise been accorded status under section 1101(a)(27)(H) of this title, if at any time the alien practices medicine in an area other than an area described in paragraph (1)(C).

(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 2, §214, 66 Stat. 189 ; Apr. 7, 1970, Pub. L. 91–225, §3, 84 Stat. 117 ; Oct. 5, 1984, Pub. L. 98–454, title VI, §602(b), 98 Stat. 1737 ; Nov. 6, 1986, Pub. L. 99–603, title III, §§301(b), 313(b), 100 Stat. 3411 , 3438; Nov. 10, 1986, Pub. L. 99–639, §3(a), (c), 100 Stat. 3542 ; Sept. 28, 1988, Pub. L. 100–449, title III, §307(b), 102 Stat. 1877 ; Oct. 24, 1988, Pub. L. 100–525, §2(l)(1), 102 Stat. 2612 ; Nov. 29, 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, title II, §§202(a), 205(a), (b), (c)(2), 206(b), 207(b), 104 Stat. 5014 , 5019, 5020, 5023, 5025; Dec. 12, 1991, Pub. L. 102–232, title II, §§202(a), 203(b), 204, 205(d), (e), 206(a), (c)(2), 207(a), (c)(1), title III, §303(a)(10)–(12), 105 Stat. 1737–1741 , 1748; Dec. 8, 1993, Pub. L. 103–182, title III, §341(b), (c), 107 Stat. 2116 , 2117; Sept. 13, 1994, Pub. L. 103–322, title XIII, §130003(b)(2), 108 Stat. 2025 ; Oct. 25, 1994, Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §220(b), 108 Stat. 4319 .)

References in Text

The International Organizations Immunities Act, referred to in subsec. (b), is act Dec. 29, 1945, ch. 652, title I, 59 Stat. 669 , as amended, which is classified principally to subchapter XVIII (§288 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 288 of Title 22 and Tables.

Codification

In subsec. (f)(1), "section 40102(a)(2) of title 49" substituted for "section 101(3) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958" on authority of Pub. L. 103–272, §6(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1378 , the first section of which enacted subtitles II, III, and V to X of Title 49, Transportation.

Amendments

1994-Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 103–322 added subsec. (j) relating to numerical limitations on the number of aliens provided with nonimmigrant visas.

Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 103–416 added subsec. (k).

1993-Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 103–182, §341(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added pars. (2) to (5).

Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 103–182, §341(c), added subsec. (j).

1991-Subsec. (a)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–232, §303(a)(11), substituted "described in section 1101(a)(15)(O)" for "under section 1101(a)(15)(O)".

Pub. L. 102–232, §205(d), inserted "(or events)" after "event".

Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 102–232, §206(a), designated cl. (i) as subpar. (B) and struck out cl. (ii) which read as follows: "An alien who is admitted as a nonimmigrant under clause (ii) or (iii) of section 1101(a)(15)(P) of this title may not be readmitted as such a nonimmigrant unless the alien has remained outside the United States for at least 3 months after the date of the most recent admission. The Attorney General may waive the application of the previous sentence in the case of individual tours in which the application would work an undue hardship."

Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–232, §303(a)(10)(A), substituted "individual petitions" for "individuals petitions".

Subsec. (c)(2)(D). Pub. L. 102–232, §303(a)(10)(B), substituted "involves" for "involved".

Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 102–232, §205(e), inserted at end "The Attorney General shall provide by regulation for the waiver of the consultation requirement under subparagraph (A) in the case of aliens who have been admitted as nonimmigrants under section 1101(a)(15)(O)(i) of this title because of extraordinary ability in the arts and who seek readmission to perform similar services within 2 years after the date of a consultation under such subparagraph. Not later than 5 days after the date such a waiver is provided, the Attorney General shall forward a copy of the petition and all supporting documentation to the national office of an appropriate labor organization."

Subsec. (c)(3)(A). Pub. L. 102–232, §204(1), substituted "after consultation in accordance with paragraph (6)" for "after consultation with peer groups in the area of the alien's ability".

Subsec. (c)(3)(B). Pub. L. 102–232, §204(2), substituted "after consultation in accordance with paragraph (6) or, in the case of such an alien seeking entry for a motion picture or television production, after consultation with such a labor organization and a management organization in the area of the alien's ability" for "after consultation with labor organizations with expertise in the skill area involved".

Subsec. (c)(4)(A), (B). Pub. L. 102–232, §203(b), added subpars. (A) and (B) and redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as (C) and (D), respectively.

Subsec. (c)(4)(C). Pub. L. 102–232, §204(3), struck out "clause (ii) of" after "under".

Pub. L. 102–232, §203(b), redesignated subpar. (A) as (C). Former subpar. (C) redesignated (E).

Subsec. (c)(4)(D). Pub. L. 102–232, §204(4), substituted "after consultation in accordance with paragraph (6)" for "after consultation with labor organizations with expertise in the specific field of athletics or entertainment involved".

Pub. L. 102–232, §203(b), redesignated subpar. (B) as (D).

Subsec. (c)(4)(E). Pub. L. 102–232, §206(c)(2), struck out before period at end ", in order to assure reciprocity in fact with foreign states".

Pub. L. 102–232, §203(b), redesignated subpar. (C) as (E).

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 102–232, §207(a), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (c)(5)(A). Pub. L. 102–232, §303(a)(12), substituted "1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b)" for "1101(H)(ii)(b)".

Subsec. (c)(6), (7). Pub. L. 102–232, §204(5), (6), added par. (6) and redesignated former par. (6) as (7).

Subsec. (c)(8). Pub. L. 102–232, §207(c)(1), added par. (8).

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 102–232, §202(a), inserted "or" at end of subpar. (A), substituted a period for ", or" at end of subpar. (B), and struck out subpar. (C) which read as follows: "under section 1101(a)(15)(P)(i) or section 1101(a)(15)(P)(iii) of this title may not exceed 25,000."

1990-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, §207(b)(1), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–649, §205(b)(1), inserted "(other than a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (H)(i) or (L) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title)" after "Every alien".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–649, §§206(b), 207(b)(2)(B), designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted reference to section 1101(a)(15)(H), (L), (O), or (P)(i) of this title for reference to section 1101(a)(15)(H) or (L) of this title, and added pars. (2) to (6).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 101–649, §202(a), added subsec. (f).

Subsecs. (g) to (i). Pub. L. 101–649, §205(a), (b)(2), (c)(2), added subsecs. (g) to (i).

1988-Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 100–525, §2(l)(1), amended Pub. L. 99–603, §301(b). See 1986 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 100–449 added subsec. (e).

1986-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–603, §313(b), inserted provision directing that no alien admitted without a visa pursuant to section 1187 of this title may be authorized to remain in the United States as a nonimmigrant visitor for a period exceeding 90 days from the date of admission.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 99–603, §301(b), as amended by Pub. L. 100–525, §2(l)(1), inserted provisions relating to nonimmigrants described in section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of this title.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–639, §3(a), substituted "have previously met in person within 2 years before the date of filing the petition, have a bona fide intention to marry," for "have a bona fide intention to marry", and inserted ", except that the Attorney General in his discretion may waive the requirement that the parties have previously met in person".

Pub. L. 99–639, §3(c), struck out last sentence which read: "In the event the marriage between the said alien and the petitioner shall occur within three months after the entry and they are found otherwise admissible, the Attorney General shall record the lawful admission for permanent residence of the alien and minor children as of the date of the payment of the required visa fees."

1984-Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–454 inserted "No alien admitted to Guam without a visa pursuant to section 1182(l) of this title may be authorized to enter or stay in the United States other than in Guam or to remain in Guam for a period exceeding fifteen days from date of admission to Guam."

1970-Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 91–225, §3(a), inserted reference to subpar. (L) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 91–225, §3(b), added subsec. (d).

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–416 applicable to aliens admitted to United States under section 1101(a)(15)(J) of this title, or acquiring such status after admission to United States, before, on, or after Oct. 25, 1994, and before June 1, 1996, see section 220(c) of Pub. L. 103–416, set out as an Effective and Termination Dates of 1994 Amendments note under section 1182 of this title.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–182 effective on date the North American Free Trade Agreement enters into force with respect to the United States (Jan. 1, 1994), see section 342 of Pub. L. 103–182, set out as a note under section 3401 of Title 19, Customs Duties.

Effective Date of 1991 Amendment

Amendment by sections 202(a), 203(b), 204, 205(d), (e), 206(a), (c)(2), 207(a), (c)(1) of Pub. L. 102–232 effective Apr. 1, 1992, see section 208 of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Amendment by section 303(a)(10)–(12) of Pub. L. 102–232 effective as if included in the enactment of the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101–649, see section 310(1) of Pub. L. 102–232, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by section 202(a) of Pub. L. 101–649 effective 60 days after Nov. 29, 1990, see section 202(c) of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1182 of this title.

Amendment by sections 205(a), (b), (c)(2), 206(b), and 207(b) of Pub. L. 101–649 effective Oct. 1, 1991, see section 231 of Pub. L. 101–649, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Effective and Termination Dates of 1988 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–525 effective as if included in enactment of Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–603, see section 2(s) of Pub. L. 100–525, set out as an Effective Date of 1988 Amendment note under section 1101 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 100–449 effective on the date the United States-Canada Free-Trade Agreement enters into force (Jan. 1, 1989), and to cease to have effect on the date the Agreement ceases to be in force, see section 501(a), (c) of Pub. L. 100–449, set out in a note under section 2112 of Title 19, Customs Duties.

Effective Date of 1986 Amendments

Section 3(d)(1), (3) of Pub. L. 99–639 provided that:

"(1) The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to petitions approved on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1986].

"(3) The amendment made by subsection (c) [amending this section] shall apply to aliens issued visas under section 101(a)(15)(K) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(K)] on or after the date of the enactment of this Act."

Amendment by section 301(b) of Pub. L. 99–603 applicable to petitions and applications filed under sections 1184(c) and 1188 of this title on or after the first day of the seventh month beginning after Nov. 6, 1986, see section 301(d) of Pub. L. 99–603, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 1188 of this title.

Deadline for First Report With Respect to Petitions

Section 207(c)(2) of Pub. L. 102–232 provided that: "The first report under section 214(c)(8) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(8)] shall be provided not later than April 1, 1993."

Delay Until April 1, 1992, in Application of Subsection (g)(1)(C) of This Section

See section 3 of Pub. L. 102–110, set out as a Delay Until April 1, 1992, in Implementation of Provisions Relating to Nonimmigrant Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Fashion Models note under section 1101 of this title.

Work Authorization During Pending Labor Disputes

Section 207(c) of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §303(a)(13), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1748 , provided that:

"(1) In the case of an alien admitted as a nonimmigrant (other than under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a)]) and who is authorized to be employed in an occupation, if nonimmigrants constitute a majority of the members of the bargaining unit in the occupation, during the period of any strike or lockout in the occupation with the employer which strike or lockout is pending on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 29, 1990] the alien-

"(A) continues to be authorized to be employed in the occupation for that employer, and

"(B) is authorized to be employed in any occupation for any other employer so long as such strike or lockout continues with respect to that occupation and employer.

"(2) In the case of an alien admitted as a nonimmigrant (other than under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act) and who is authorized to be employed in an occupation, if nonimmigrants do not constitute a majority of the members of the bargaining unit in the occupation, during the period of any strike or lockout in the occupation with the employer which strike or lockout is pending on the date of the enactment of this Act the alien-

"(A) is not authorized to be employed in the occupation for that employer, and

"(B) is authorized to be employed in any occupation for any other employer so long as there is no strike or lockout with respect to that occupation and employer.

"(3) With respect to a nonimmigrant described in paragraph (1) or (2) who does not perform unauthorized employment, any limit on the period of authorized stay shall be extended by the period of the strike or lockout, except that any such extension may not continue beyond the maximum authorized period of stay.

"(4) The provisions of this subsection shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act."

Off-Campus Work Authorization for Students (F Nonimmigrants)

Section 221 of Pub. L. 101–649, as amended by Pub. L. 102–232, title III, §303(b)(1), (2), Dec. 12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1748 ; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, §215(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4315 , provided that:

"(a) 5-Year Provision.-With respect to work authorization for aliens admitted as nonimmigrant students described in subparagraph (F) of section 101(a)(15) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)] during the 5-year period beginning October 1, 1991, the Attorney General shall grant such an alien work authorization to be employed off-campus if-

"(1) the alien has completed 1 academic year as such a nonimmigrant and is maintaining good academic standing at the educational institution,

"(2) the employer provides the educational institution and the Secretary of Labor with an attestation that the employer (A) has recruited for at least 60 days for the position and (B) will provide for payment to the alien and to other similarly situated workers at a rate equal to not less than the actual wage level for the occupation at the place of employment or, if greater, the prevailing wage level for the occupation in the area of employment, and

"(3) the alien will not be employed more than 20 hours each week during the academic term (but may be employed on a full-time basis during vacation periods and between academic terms).

If the Secretary of Labor determines that an employer has provided an attestation under paragraph (2) that is materially false or has failed to pay wages in accordance with the attestation, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, the employer shall be disqualified from employing an alien student under this subsection.

"(b) Report to Congress.-Not later than April 1, 1996, the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization and the Secretary of Labor shall prepare and submit to the Congress a report on-

"(1) whether the program of work authorization under subsection (a) should be extended, and

"(2) the impact of such program on prevailing wages of workers."

Limitation on Admission of Aliens Seeking Employment in the Virgin Islands

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General not to be authorized, on or after Sept. 30, 1982, to approve any petition filed under subsec. (c) of this section in the case of importing any alien as a nonimmigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii) of this title for employment in the Virgin Islands of the United States other than as an entertainer or as an athlete and for a period not exceeding 45 days, see section 3 of Pub. L. 97–271, set out as a note under section 1255 of this title.

Importation of Sheepherders; Termination of Quota Deductions

Quota deductions authorized by acts June 30, 1950, ch. 423, 64 Stat. 306 ; Apr. 9, 1952, ch. 171, 66 Stat. 50 , terminated effective July 1, 1957.

Cancellation of Certain Nonimmigrant Departure Bonds

Pub. L. 85–531, July 18, 1958, 72 Stat. 375 , authorized the Attorney General, upon application made not later than July 18, 1963, to cancel any departure bond posted pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1924, as amended, or the Immigration and Nationality Act [this chapter], on behalf of any refugee who entered the United States as a nonimmigrant after May 6, 1945, and prior to July 1, 1953, and who had his immigration status adjusted to that of an alien admitted for permanent residence pursuant to any public or private law.

Cross References

Bonds-

Bond or undertaking as prerequisite to admission of aliens likely to become public charges or with certain disabilities, see section 1183 of this title.

Bond or undertaking as prerequisite to issuance of visas to aliens with certain physical disabilities or likely to become public charges, see section 1201 of this title.

Exaction from excludable aliens applying for temporary admission, see section 1182 of this title.

Forms to be prescribed by Attorney General, see section 1103 of this title.

Definition of alien, Attorney General, consular officer, immigrant, immigrant visa, immigration officer, nonimmigrant alien, and United States, see section 1101 of this title.

Section Referred to in Other Sections

This section is referred to in sections 1101, 1182, 1186, 1186a, 1201, 1255 of this title; title 26 section 3306; title 29 section 1802.

¹ So in original. Two subsecs. (j) have been enacted.