§ 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 Gen-
eral may by regulations prescribe, including
when he deems necessary the giving of a bond
with sufficient surety in such sum and con-
taining such conditions as the Attorney General
shall prescribe, to insure that at the expiration
of such time or upon failure to maintain the sta-
tus 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 or
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Is-
lands 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 the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Page 221
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
or to remain in Guam or the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands for a period ex-
ceeding 45 days from date of admission to Guam
or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands. 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 non-
immigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(O) of
this title shall be for such period as the Attor-
ney General may specify in order to provide for
the event (or events) for which the non-
immigrant is admitted.
(B) The period of authorized status as a non-
immigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(P) of
this title shall be for such period as the Attor-
ne
File SHA-256: 80486a63cd5d721464b15a68825667e7f38dac7cabc930f9a71f9a958c054dd6. The original may include catalog metadata, neighboring provisions, or embedded records outside this collection's scope. This page displays the selected federal record. Historical editions and unverified snapshots are not a statement of current law.
Authority boundary: historical or unconfirmed source not current law verified.
Stable record: federal_law:legal_authorities:uscode2024_75e0ac6ac6203237a276f7a6 Source file: Laws/federal/codes/united-states-code-2024/title-8/section-1184-admission-of-nonimmigrants--a0e3d9e820.md Pages: Not recorded – Not recorded Passage SHA-256: 4b53d858b2d8af7c7d650486db6097e45dd7929f0162f83d3e7de53b250eac10 Retained source evidence SHA-256: 80486a63cd5d721464b15a68825667e7f38dac7cabc930f9a71f9a958c054dd6
Page 220
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
port executed on or after a date specified by the Attor-
ney General, which date shall be not earlier than 60
days (and not later than 90 days) after the date the At-
torney General formulates the form for such affidavits
under paragraph (2).
‘‘(2) PROMULGATION OF FORM.—Not later than 90 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act [Sept. 30,
1996], the Attorney General, in consultation with the
heads of other appropriate agencies, shall promulgate a
standard form for an affidavit of support consistent
with the provisions of section 213A of the Immigration
and Nationality Act [this section], as amended by sub-
section (a).’’
Pub. L. 104–193, title IV, § 423(c), Aug. 22, 1996, 110
Stat. 2273, provided that subsec. (a) of this section was
applicable to affidavits of support executed on or after
a date specified by Attorney General, which date was to
be not earlier than 60 days (and not later than 90 days)
after date Attorney General formulated form for such
affidavits under subsec. (b) of this section, prior to re-
peal by Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title V, § 551(b)(2), Sept.
30, 1996, 104 Stat. 3009–679.
ABOLITION OF IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION
SERVICE AND TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization
Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related
references, see note set out under section 1551 of this
title.
FEES RELATING TO AFFIDAVITS OF SUPPORT
Pub. L. 106–113, div. B, § 1000(a)(7) [div. A, title II,
§ 232], Nov. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A–425, as amended
by Pub. L. 107–228, div. A, title II, § 211(b), Sept. 30, 2002,
116 Stat. 1365; Pub. L. 115–31, div. J, title VII, § 7081(e),
May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 716, provided that:
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY TO CHARGE FEE.—The Secretary of
State may charge and retain a fee or surcharge for
services provided by the Department of State to any
sponsor who provides an affidavit of support under sec-
tion 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1183a) to ensure that such affidavit is properly
completed before it is forwarded to a consular post for
adjudication by a consular officer in connection with
the adjudication of an immigrant visa. Such fee or sur-
charge shall be in addition to and separate from any fee
imposed for immigrant visa application processing and
issuance, and shall recover only the costs of such serv-
ices not recovered by such fee.
‘‘(b) LIMITATION.—Any fee established under sub-
section (a) shall be charged only once to a sponsor or
joint sponsors who file essentially duplicative affida-
vits of support in connection with separate immigrant
visa applications from the spouse and children of any
petitioner required by the Immigration and Nation-
ality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.] to petition separately
for such persons.
‘‘(c) TREATMENT OF FEES.—Fees collected under the
authority of subsection (a) shall be deposited in the
Consular and Border Security Programs account to re-
cover the cost of providing consular services. Such fees
shall remain available for obligation until expended.’’
PILOT PROGRAMS TO REQUIRE BONDING
Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title V, § 564, Sept. 30, 1996, 110
Stat. 3009–683, directed the Attorney General to estab-
lish a pilot program in 5 district offices of the Immigra-
tion and Naturalization Service, to terminate after 3
years of operation, requiring aliens to post a bond in
addition to the affidavit of support requirements under
this section and the deeming requirements under sec-
tion 1631 of this title.
BENEFITS NOT SUBJECT TO REIMBURSEMENT
Pub. L. 104–193, title IV, § 423(d), Aug. 22, 1996, 110
Stat. 2273, as amended by Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, § 101(f)
[title VIII, § 405(d)(3)(B), (f)(3)(B)], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat.
2681–337, 2681–419, 2681–430; Pub. L. 106–78, title VII,
§ 752(b)(6), Oct. 22, 1999, 113 Stat. 1169, provided that:
‘‘Requirements for reimbursement by a sponsor for ben-
efits provided to a sponsored alien pursuant to an affi-
davit of support under section 213A of the Immigration
and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1183a] shall not apply
with respect to the following:
‘‘(1)
Medical
assistance
described
in
section
401(b)(1)(A) [8 U.S.C. 1611(b)(1)(A)] or assistance de-
scribed in section 411(b)(1) [8 U.S.C. 1621(b)(1)].
‘‘(2) Short-term, non-cash, in-kind emergency dis-
aster relief.
‘‘(3) Assistance or benefits under the Richard B.
Russell National School Lunch Act [42 U.S.C. 1751 et
seq.].
‘‘(4) Assistance or benefits under the Child Nutri-
tion Act of 1966 [42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq.].
‘‘(5) Public health assistance for immunizations
(not including any assistance under title XIX of the
Social Security Act [42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.]) with re-
spect to immunizable diseases and for testing and
treatment of symptoms of communicable diseases
whether or not such symptoms are caused by a com-
municable disease.
‘‘(6) Payments for foster care and adoption assist-
ance under parts B and E of title IV of the Social Se-
curity Act [42 U.S.C. 620 et seq., 670 et seq.] for a par-
ent or a child, but only if the foster or adoptive par-
ent (or parents) of such child is a qualified alien (as
defined in section 431 [8 U.S.C. 1641]).
‘‘(7) Programs, services, or assistance (such as soup
kitchens, crisis counseling and intervention, and
short-term shelter) specified by the Attorney Gen-
eral, in the Attorney General’s sole and unreviewable
discretion after consultation with appropriate Fed-
eral agencies and departments, which (A) deliver in-
kind services at the community level, including
through public or private nonprofit agencies; (B) do
not condition the provision of assistance, the amount
of assistance provided, or the cost of assistance pro-
vided on the individual recipient’s income or re-
sources; and (C) are necessary for the protection of
life or safety.
‘‘(8) Programs of student assistance under titles IV,
V, IX, and X of the Higher Education Act of 1965 [20
U.S.C. 1070 et seq., 1101 et seq., 1134 et seq., 1135 et
seq.], and titles III, VII, and VIII of the Public Health
Service Act [42 U.S.C. 241 et seq., 292 et seq., 296 et
seq.].
‘‘(9) Benefits under the Head Start Act [42 U.S.C.
9831 et seq.].
‘‘(10) Means-tested programs under the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act of 1965 [20 U.S.C. 6301 et
seq.].
‘‘(11) Benefits under the [sic] title I of the Work-
force Investment Act of 1998 [former 29 U.S.C. 2801 et
seq.].’’
§ 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 Gen-
eral may by regulations prescribe, including
when he deems necessary the giving of a bond
with sufficient surety in such sum and con-
taining such conditions as the Attorney General
shall prescribe, to insure that at the expiration
of such time or upon failure to maintain the sta-
tus 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 or
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Is-
lands 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 the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Page 221
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
or to remain in Guam or the Commonwealth of
the Northern Mariana Islands for a period ex-
ceeding 45 days from date of admission to Guam
or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands. 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 non-
immigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(O) of
this title shall be for such period as the Attor-
ney General may specify in order to provide for
the event (or events) for which the non-
immigrant is admitted.
(B) The period of authorized status as a non-
immigrant described in section 1101(a)(15)(P) of
this title shall be for such period as the Attor-
ney 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 ath-
lete and such period may be extended by the At-
torney General for an additional period of up to
5 years.
(b) Presumption of status; written waiver
Every alien (other than a nonimmigrant de-
scribed in subparagraph (L) or (V) of section
1101(a)(15) of this title, and other than a non-
immigrant described in any provision of section
1101(a)(15)(H)(i) of this title except subclause (b1)
of such section) shall be presumed to be an im-
migrant until he establishes to the satisfaction
of the consular officer, at the time of applica-
tion 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 at-
tendant, 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 immi-
grant unless he executes a written waiver in the
same form and substance as is prescribed by sec-
tion 1257(b) of this title.
(c) Petition of importing employer
(1) The question of importing any alien as a
nonimmigrant under subparagraph (H), (L), (O),
or (P)(i) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title (ex-
cluding
nonimmigrants
under
section
1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) of this title) in any specific
case or specific cases shall be determined by the
Attorney General, after consultation with ap-
propriate agencies of the Government, upon pe-
tition 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 Gen-
eral shall prescribe. The approval of such a peti-
tion shall not, of itself, be construed as estab-
lishing 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 ‘‘ap-
propriate agencies of Government’’ means the
Department of Labor and includes the Depart-
ment 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 fil-
ing individual petitions under paragraph (1) to
import such aliens. Such procedure shall permit
the expedited processing of visas for admission
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 appli-
cation in international markets or has an ad-
vanced level of knowledge of processes and pro-
cedures of the company.
(C) The Attorney General shall provide a proc-
ess for reviewing and acting upon petitions
under this subsection with respect to non-
immigrants described in section 1101(a)(15)(L) of
this title within 30 days after the date a com-
pleted petition has been filed.
(D) The period of authorized admission for—
(i) a nonimmigrant admitted to render serv-
ices 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 serv-
ices in a capacity that involves specialized
knowledge under section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this
title shall not exceed 5 years.
(E) In the case of an alien spouse admitted
under section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this title, who is
accompanying or following to join a principal
alien admitted under such section, the Attorney
General shall authorize the alien spouse to en-
gage in employment in the United States and
provide the spouse with an ‘‘employment au-
thorized’’ endorsement or other appropriate
work permit.
(F) An alien who will serve in a capacity in-
volving specialized knowledge with respect to an
employer for purposes of section 1101(a)(15)(L) of
this title and will be stationed primarily at the
worksite of an employer other than the peti-
tioning employer or its affiliate, subsidiary, or
parent shall not be eligible for classification
under section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this title if—
(i) the alien will be controlled and super-
vised principally by such unaffiliated em-
ployer; or
(ii) the placement of the alien at the work-
site of the unaffiliated employer is essentially
an arrangement to provide labor for hire for
the unaffiliated employer, rather than a place-
ment in connection with the provision of a
product or service for which specialized knowl-
edge specific to the petitioning employer is
necessary.
Page 222
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
(3) The Attorney General shall approve a peti-
tion—
(A) with respect to a nonimmigrant de-
scribed in section 1101(a)(15)(O)(i) of this title
only after consultation in accordance with
paragraph (6) or, with respect to aliens seek-
ing entry for a motion picture or television
production, after consultation with the appro-
priate union representing the alien’s occupa-
tional peers and a management organization
in the area of the alien’s ability, or
(B) with respect to a nonimmigrant de-
scribed in section 1101(a)(15)(O)(ii) of this title
after consultation in accordance with para-
graph (6) or, in the case of such an alien seek-
ing entry for a motion picture or television
production, after consultation with such a
labor organization and a management organi-
zation in the area of the alien’s ability.
In the case of an alien seeking entry for a mo-
tion picture or television production, (i) any
opinion under the previous sentence shall only
be advisory, (ii) any such opinion that rec-
ommends denial must be in writing, (iii) in mak-
ing the decision the Attorney General shall con-
sider the exigencies and scheduling of the pro-
duction, and (iv) the Attorney General shall ap-
pend to the decision any such opinion. The At-
torney 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 of-
fice of an appropriate labor organization.
(4)(A)
For
purposes
of
section
1101(a)(15)(P)(i)(a) of this title, an alien is de-
scribed in this subparagraph if the alien—
(i)(I) performs as an athlete, individually or
as part of a group or team, at an internation-
ally recognized level of performance;
(II) is a professional athlete, as defined in
section 1154(i)(2) of this title;
(III) performs as an athlete, or as a coach, as
part of a team or franchise that is located in
the United States and a member of a foreign
league or association of 15 or more amateur
sports teams, if—
(aa) the foreign league or association is
the highest level of amateur performance of
that sport in the relevant foreign country;
(bb) participation in such league or asso-
ciation renders players ineligible, whether
on a temporary or permanent basis, to earn
a scholarship in, or participate in, that sport
at a college or university in the United
States under the rules of the National Colle-
giate Athletic Association; and
(cc) a significant number of the individuals
who play in such league or association are
drafted by a major sports league or a minor
league affiliate of such a sports league; or
(IV) is a professional athlete or amateur ath-
lete who performs individually or as part of a
group in a theatrical ice skating production;
and
(ii) seeks to enter the United States tempo-
rarily and solely for the purpose of per-
forming—
(I) as such an athlete with respect to a spe-
cific athletic competition; or
(II) in the case of an individual described
in clause (i)(IV), in a specific theatrical ice
skating production or tour.
(B)(i)
For
purposes
of
section
1101(a)(15)(P)(i)(b) of this title, an alien is de-
scribed in this subparagraph if the alien—
(I) performs with or is an integral and essen-
tial part of the performance of an entertain-
ment group that has (except as provided in
clause (ii)) been recognized internationally as
being outstanding in the discipline for a sus-
tained 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 per-
formance of the group, and
(III) seeks to enter the United States tempo-
rarily and solely for the purpose of performing
as such a performer or entertainer or as an in-
tegral 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 pe-
riod of time, the Attorney General may, in con-
sideration 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 exi-
gent circumstances replaces an essential mem-
ber 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 per-
sonnel who perform as part of a circus or circus
group or who constitute an integral and essen-
tial part of the performance of such circus or
circus group, but only if such personnel are en-
tering 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 Gen-
eral for classification of an alien as a non-
immigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(P) of this
title.
(D) The Attorney General shall approve peti-
tions under this subsection with respect to non-
immigrants described in clause (i) or (iii) of sec-
tion 1101(a)(15)(P) of this title only after con-
sultation in accordance with paragraph (6).
(E) The Attorney General shall approve peti-
tions 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.
Page 223
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
1 See References in Text note below.
(F)(i) No nonimmigrant visa under section
1101(a)(15)(P)(i)(a) of this title shall be issued to
any alien who is a national of a country that is
a state sponsor of international terrorism unless
the Secretary of State determines, in consulta-
tion with the Secretary of Homeland Security
and the heads of other appropriate United States
agencies, that such alien does not pose a threat
to the safety, national security, or national in-
terest of the United States. In making a deter-
mination under this subparagraph, the Sec-
retary of State shall apply standards developed
by the Secretary of State, in consultation with
the Secretary of Homeland Security and the
heads of other appropriate United States agen-
cies, that are applicable to the nationals of such
states.
(ii) In this subparagraph, the term ‘‘state
sponsor of international terrorism’’ means any
country the government of which has been de-
termined by the Secretary of State under any of
the laws specified in clause (iii) to have repeat-
edly provided support for acts of international
terrorism.
(iii) The laws specified in this clause are the
following:
(I) Section 4605(j)(1)(A) of title 50 (or suc-
cessor statute).1
(II) Section 2780(d) of title 22.
(III) Section 2371(a) of title 22.
(G) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
permit a petition under this subsection to seek
classification of more than 1 alien as a non-
immigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(P)(i)(a) of
this title.
(H) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall
permit an athlete, or the employer of an athlete,
to seek admission to the United States for such
athlete under a provision of this chapter other
than section 1101(a)(15)(P)(i) of this title if the
athlete is eligible under such other provision.
(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 au-
thorized 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 is admitted to
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 reason-
able 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 re-
spect to aliens seeking entry for a motion pic-
ture or television production), the petitioner
shall submit with the petition an advisory opin-
ion from a peer group (or other person or per-
sons 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 re-
spect to aliens seeking entry for a motion pic-
ture or television production), the petitioner
shall submit with the petition an advisory opin-
ion 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 en-
tertainment 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 of-
fice 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 appro-
priate labor organization.
(C) In those cases in which a petitioner de-
scribed in subparagraph (A) establishes that an
appropriate peer group (including a labor orga-
nization) 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 writ-
ten 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 oppor-
tunity, where appropriate, to supply rebuttal
evidence, the Attorney General shall adjudicate
such petition in no more than 14 days. The At-
torney General may shorten any specified time
period for emergency reasons if no unreasonable
burden would be thus imposed on any partici-
pant 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 sub-
section by the Attorney General with a non-
Page 224
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
2 So in original. The word ‘‘before’’ probably should not appear.
governmental entity shall be construed as per-
mitting the Attorney General to delegate any
authority under this subsection to such an enti-
ty. 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 rea-
sons for the denial and of the process by which
the petitioner may appeal the determination.
(8) The Attorney General shall submit annu-
ally to the Committees on the Judiciary of the
House of Representatives and of the Senate a re-
port describing, with respect to petitions under
each subcategory of subparagraphs (H), (O), (P),
and (Q) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title the fol-
lowing:
(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 peti-
tions.
(C) The number of such petitions which have
been denied and the number of workers (by oc-
cupation) 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.
(9)(A) The Attorney General shall impose a fee
on an employer (excluding any employer that is
a primary or secondary education institution,
an institution of higher education, as defined in
section 1001(a) of title 20, a nonprofit entity re-
lated to or affiliated with any such institution,
a nonprofit entity which engages in established
curriculum-related clinical training of students
registered at any such institution, a nonprofit
research organization, or a governmental re-
search organization) filing before 2 a petition
under paragraph (1)—
(i) initially to grant an alien nonimmigrant
status described in section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)
of this title;
(ii) to extend the stay of an alien having
such status (unless the employer previously
has obtained an extension for such alien); or
(iii) to obtain authorization for an alien hav-
ing such status to change employers.
(B) The amount of the fee shall be $1,500 for
each such petition except that the fee shall be
half the amount for each such petition by any
employer with not more than 25 full-time equiv-
alent employees who are employed in the United
States (determined by including any affiliate or
subsidiary of such employer).
(C) Fees collected under this paragraph shall
be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with
section 1356(s) of this title.
(10) An amended H–1B petition shall not be re-
quired where the petitioning employer is in-
volved in a corporate restructuring, including
but not limited to a merger, acquisition, or con-
solidation, where a new corporate entity suc-
ceeds to the interests and obligations of the
original petitioning employer and where the
terms and conditions of employment remain the
same but for the identity of the petitioner.
(11)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Sec-
retary of Homeland Security or the Secretary of
State, as appropriate, shall impose a fee on an
employer who has filed an attestation described
in section 1182(t) of this title—
(i) in order that an alien may be initially
granted nonimmigrant status described in sec-
tion 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) of this title; or
(ii) in order to satisfy the requirement of the
second sentence of subsection (g)(8)(C) for an
alien having such status to obtain certain ex-
tensions of stay.
(B) The amount of the fee shall be the same as
the amount imposed by the Secretary of Home-
land Security under paragraph (9), except that if
such paragraph does not authorize such Sec-
retary to impose any fee, no fee shall be imposed
under this paragraph.
(C) Fees collected under this paragraph shall
be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with
section 1356(s) of this title.
(12)(A) In addition to any other fees authorized
by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall impose a fraud prevention and detection
fee on an employer filing a petition under para-
graph (1)—
(i) initially to grant an alien nonimmigrant
status described in subparagraph (H)(i)(b) or
(L) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title; or
(ii) to obtain authorization for an alien hav-
ing such status to change employers.
(B) In addition to any other fees authorized by
law, the Secretary of State shall impose a fraud
prevention and detection fee on an alien filing
an application abroad for a visa authorizing ad-
mission to the United States as a nonimmigrant
described in section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this title, if
the alien is covered under a blanket petition de-
scribed in paragraph (2)(A).
(C) The amount of the fee imposed under sub-
paragraph (A) or (B) shall be $500.
(D) The fee imposed under subparagraph (A) or
(B) shall only apply to principal aliens and not
to the spouses or children who are accom-
panying or following to join such principal
aliens.
(E) Fees collected under this paragraph shall
be deposited in the Treasury in accordance with
section 1356(v) of this title.
(13)(A) In addition to any other fees authorized
by law, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall impose a fraud prevention and detection
fee on an employer filing a petition under para-
graph (1) for nonimmigrant workers described in
section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of this title.
(B) The amount of the fee imposed under sub-
paragraph (A) shall be $150.
(14)(A) If the Secretary of Homeland Security
finds, after notice and an opportunity for a hear-
ing, a substantial failure to meet any of the con-
ditions of the petition to admit or otherwise
provide status to a nonimmigrant worker under
section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of this title or a will-
ful misrepresentation of a material fact in such
petition—
(i) the Secretary of Homeland Security may,
in addition to any other remedy authorized by
Page 225
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
law, impose such administrative remedies (in-
cluding civil monetary penalties in an amount
not to exceed $10,000 per violation) as the Sec-
retary of Homeland Security determines to be
appropriate; and
(ii) the Secretary of Homeland Security may
deny petitions filed with respect to that em-
ployer under section 1154 of this title or para-
graph (1) of this subsection during a period of
at least 1 year but not more than 5 years for
aliens to be employed by the employer.
(B) The Secretary of Homeland Security may
delegate to the Secretary of Labor, with the
agreement of the Secretary of Labor, any of the
authority given to the Secretary of Homeland
Security under subparagraph (A)(i).
(C) In determining the level of penalties to be
assessed under subparagraph (A), the highest
penalties shall be reserved for willful failures to
meet any of the conditions of the petition that
involve harm to United States workers.
(D) In this paragraph, the term ‘‘substantial
failure’’ means the willful failure to comply
with the requirements of this section that con-
stitutes a significant deviation from the terms
and conditions of a petition.
(d) Issuance of visa to fiance´e or fiance´ of citizen
(1) A visa shall not be issued under the provi-
sions of section 1101(a)(15)(K)(i) of this title until
the consular officer has received a petition filed
in the United States by the fiance´e and fiance´ of
the applying alien and approved by the Sec-
retary of Homeland Security. The petition shall
be in such form and contain such information as
the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, by
regulation, prescribe. Such information shall in-
clude information on any criminal convictions
of the petitioner for any specified crime de-
scribed in paragraph (3)(B) and information on
any permanent protection or restraining order
issued against the petitioner related to any
specified crime described in paragraph (3)(B)(i).
It shall be approved only after satisfactory evi-
dence is submitted by the petitioner to establish
that the parties have previously met in person
within 2 years before the date of filing the peti-
tion, 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 Secretary of Homeland Security
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 ad-
mission 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 re-
moved in accordance with sections 1229a and 1231
of this title.
(2)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C),
the Secretary of Homeland Security may not ap-
prove a petition under paragraph (1) unless the
Secretary has verified that—
(i) the petitioner has not, previous to the
pending petition, petitioned under paragraph
(1) with respect to two or more applying
aliens; and
(ii) if the petitioner has had such a petition
previously approved, 2 years have elapsed
since the filing of such previously approved pe-
tition.
(B) The Secretary of Homeland Security may,
in the Secretary’s discretion, waive the limita-
tions in subparagraph (A) if justification exists
for such a waiver. Except in extraordinary cir-
cumstances and subject to subparagraph (C),
such a waiver shall not be granted if the peti-
tioner has a record of violent criminal offenses
against a person or persons.
(C)(i) The Secretary of Homeland Security is
not limited by the criminal court record and
shall grant a waiver of the condition described
in the second sentence of subparagraph (B) in
the case of a petitioner described in clause (ii).
(ii) A petitioner described in this clause is a
petitioner who has been battered or subjected to
extreme cruelty and who is or was not the pri-
mary perpetrator of violence in the relationship
upon a determination that—
(I) the petitioner was acting in self-defense;
(II) the petitioner was found to have violated
a protection order intended to protect the pe-
titioner; or
(III) the petitioner committed, was arrested
for, was convicted of, or pled guilty to com-
mitting a crime that did not result in serious
bodily injury and where there was a connec-
tion between the crime and the petitioner’s
having been battered or subjected to extreme
cruelty.
(iii) In acting on applications under this sub-
paragraph, the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall consider any credible evidence relevant to
the application. The determination of what evi-
dence is credible and the weight to be given that
evidence shall be within the sole discretion of
the Secretary.
(3) In this subsection:
(A) The terms ‘‘domestic violence’’, ‘‘sexual
assault’’, ‘‘child abuse and neglect’’, ‘‘dating
violence’’, ‘‘elder abuse’’, and ‘‘stalking’’ have
the meaning given such terms in section 3 of
the Violence Against Women and Department
of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005.1
(B) The term ‘‘specified crime’’ means the
following:
(i) Domestic violence, sexual assault, child
abuse and neglect, dating violence, elder
abuse, stalking, or an attempt to commit
any such crime.
(ii) Homicide, murder, manslaughter, rape,
abusive sexual contact, sexual exploitation,
incest, torture, trafficking, peonage, holding
hostage, involuntary servitude, slave trade,
kidnapping, abduction, unlawful criminal re-
straint, false imprisonment, or an attempt
to commit any of the crimes described in
this clause.
(iii) At least three convictions for crimes
relating to a controlled substance or alcohol
not arising from a single act.
(e) Nonimmigrant professionals and annual nu-
merical limit
(1) An alien who is a citizen of Canada or Mex-
ico, 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
Page 226
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
D of Annex 16–A of the USMCA (as defined in
section 4502 of title 19) to engage in business ac-
tivities at a professional level as provided for in
such Annex, may be admitted for such purpose
under regulations of the Attorney General pro-
mulgated after consultation with the Secre-
taries of State and Labor. For purposes of this
chapter, including the issuance of entry docu-
ments and the application of subsection (b),
such alien shall be treated as if seeking classi-
fication, or classifiable, as a nonimmigrant
under section 1101(a)(15) of this title. For pur-
poses of this paragraph, the term ‘‘citizen of
Mexico’’ means ‘‘citizen’’ as defined in article
16.1 of the USMCA.
(2) In the case of an alien spouse admitted
under section 1101(a)(15)(E) of this title, who is
accompanying or following to join a principal
alien admitted under such section, the Attorney
General shall authorize the alien spouse to en-
gage in employment in the United States and
provide the spouse with an ‘‘employment au-
thorized’’ endorsement or other appropriate
work permit.
(f) Denial of crewmember status in case of cer-
tain 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 per-
forming service on board a vessel of the United
States (as defined in section 116 of title 46) or on
an aircraft of an air carrier (as defined in sec-
tion 40102(a)(2) of title 49) during a labor dispute
where there is a strike or lockout in the bar-
gaining 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 ves-
sel that employs the alien provides documenta-
tion 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 com-
menced;
(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 serv-
ices that such alien provided as such a crew-
man.
(g) Temporary workers and trainees; limitation
on numbers
(1) The total number of aliens who may be
issued
visas
or
otherwise
provided
non-
immigrant status during any fiscal year (begin-
ning with fiscal year 1992)—
(A) under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this
title, may not exceed—
(i) 65,000 in each fiscal year before fiscal
year 1999;
(ii) 115,000 in fiscal year 1999;
(iii) 115,000 in fiscal year 2000;
(iv) 195,000 in fiscal year 2001;
(v) 195,000 in fiscal year 2002;
(vi) 195,000 in fiscal year 2003; and
(vii) 65,000 in each succeeding fiscal year;
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. If an alien who was issued a visa
or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status and
counted against the numerical limitations of
paragraph (1) is found to have been issued such
visa or otherwise provided such status by fraud
or willfully misrepresenting a material fact and
such visa or nonimmigrant status is revoked,
then one number shall be restored to the total
number of aliens who may be issued visas or oth-
erwise provided such status under the numerical
limitations of paragraph (1) in the fiscal year in
which the petition is revoked, regardless of the
fiscal year in which the petition was approved.
(4) In the case of a nonimmigrant described in
section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title, the pe-
riod of authorized admission as such a non-
immigrant may not exceed 6 years.
(5) The numerical limitations contained in
paragraph (1)(A) shall not apply to any non-
immigrant alien issued a visa or otherwise pro-
vided status under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of
this title who—
(A) is employed (or has received an offer of
employment) at an institution of higher edu-
cation (as defined in section 1001(a) of title 20),
or a related or affiliated nonprofit entity;
(B) is employed (or has received an offer of
employment) at a nonprofit research organiza-
tion or a governmental research organization;
or
(C) has earned a master’s or higher degree
from a United States institution of higher
education (as defined in section 1001(a) of title
20), until the number of aliens who are ex-
empted from such numerical limitation during
such year exceeds 20,000.
(6) Any alien who ceases to be employed by an
employer described in paragraph (5)(A) shall, if
employed as a nonimmigrant alien described in
section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title, who has
not previously been counted toward the numer-
ical limitations contained in paragraph (1)(A),
be counted toward those limitations the first
time the alien is employed by an employer other
than one described in paragraph (5).
(7) Any alien who has already been counted,
within the 6 years prior to the approval of a pe-
tition described in subsection (c), toward the nu-
merical limitations of paragraph (1)(A) shall not
again be counted toward those limitations un-
Page 227
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
less the alien would be eligible for a full 6 years
of authorized admission at the time the petition
is filed. Where multiple petitions are approved
for 1 alien, that alien shall be counted only
once.
(8)(A) The agreements referred to in section
1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) of this title are—
(i) the United States-Chile Free Trade
Agreement; and
(ii) the United States-Singapore Free Trade
Agreement.
(B)(i) The Secretary of Homeland Security
shall establish annual numerical limitations on
approvals of initial applications by aliens for ad-
mission under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) of this
title.
(ii) The annual numerical limitations de-
scribed in clause (i) shall not exceed—
(I) 1,400 for nationals of Chile (as defined in
article 14.9 of the United States-Chile Free
Trade Agreement) for any fiscal year; and
(II) 5,400 for nationals of Singapore (as de-
fined in Annex 1A of the United States-Singa-
pore Free Trade Agreement) for any fiscal
year.
(iii) The annual numerical limitations de-
scribed in clause (i) shall only apply to principal
aliens and not to the spouses or children of such
aliens.
(iv) The annual numerical limitation de-
scribed in paragraph (1)(A) is reduced by the
amount of the annual numerical limitations es-
tablished under clause (i). However, if a numer-
ical limitation established under clause (i) has
not been exhausted at the end of a given fiscal
year, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
adjust upwards the numerical limitation in
paragraph (1)(A) for that fiscal year by the
amount remaining in the numerical limitation
under
clause
(i).
Visas
under
section
1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title may be issued
pursuant to such adjustment within the first 45
days of the next fiscal year to aliens who had ap-
plied for such visas during the fiscal year for
which the adjustment was made.
(C) The period of authorized admission as a
nonimmigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1)
of this title shall be 1 year, and may be ex-
tended, but only in 1-year increments. After
every second extension, the next following ex-
tension shall not be granted unless the Sec-
retary of Labor had determined and certified to
the Secretary of Homeland Security and the
Secretary of State that the intending employer
has filed with the Secretary of Labor an attesta-
tion under section 1182(t)(1) of this title for the
purpose of permitting the nonimmigrant to ob-
tain such extension.
(D) The numerical limitation described in
paragraph (1)(A) for a fiscal year shall be re-
duced by one for each alien granted an extension
under subparagraph (C) during such year who
has obtained 5 or more consecutive prior exten-
sions.
(9)(A) Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), an
alien who has already been counted toward the
numerical limitation of paragraph (1)(B) during
fiscal year 2013, 2014, or 2015 shall not again be
counted toward such limitation during fiscal
year 2016. Such an alien shall be considered a re-
turning worker.
(B) A petition to admit or otherwise provide
status under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of this
title shall include, with respect to a returning
worker—
(i) all information and evidence that the
Secretary of Homeland Security determines is
required to support a petition for status under
section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of this title;
(ii) the full name of the alien; and
(iii) a certification to the Department of
Homeland Security that the alien is a return-
ing worker.
(C) An H–2B visa or grant of nonimmigrant
status for a returning worker shall be approved
only if the alien is confirmed to be a returning
worker by—
(i) the Department of State; or
(ii) if the alien is visa exempt or seeking to
change
to
status
under
section
1101
(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of this title, the Department of
Homeland Security.
(10) The numerical limitations of paragraph
(1)(B) shall be allocated for a fiscal year so that
the total number of aliens subject to such nu-
merical limits who enter the United States pur-
suant to a visa or are accorded nonimmigrant
status under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of this
title during the first 6 months of such fiscal year
is not more than 33,000.
(11)(A) The Secretary of State may not ap-
prove a number of initial applications submitted
for aliens described in section 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii)
of this title that is more than the applicable nu-
merical limitation set out in this paragraph.
(B) The applicable numerical limitation re-
ferred to in subparagraph (A) is 10,500 for each
fiscal year.
(C) The applicable numerical limitation re-
ferred to in subparagraph (A) shall only apply to
principal aliens and not to the spouses or chil-
dren of such aliens.
(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 aban-
don a foreign residence for purposes of obtaining
a visa as a nonimmigrant described in subpara-
graph (H)(i)(b) or (c), (L), or (V) of section
1101(a)(15) of this title or otherwise obtaining or
maintaining the status of a nonimmigrant de-
scribed in such subparagraph, if the alien had
obtained a change of status under section 1258 of
this title to a classification as such a non-
immigrant before the alien’s most recent depar-
ture from the United States.
(i) ‘‘Specialty occupation’’ defined
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (3), for
purposes of section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this
title, section 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii) 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 de-
gree in the specific specialty (or its equiva-
lent) as a minimum for entry into the occupa-
tion in the United States.
Page 228
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
(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 oc-
cupation, if such licensure is required to prac-
tice 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) rec-
ognition of expertise in the specialty through
progressively responsible positions relating to
the specialty.
(3) For purposes of section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1)
of this title, the term ‘‘specialty occupation’’
means an occupation that requires—
(A) theoretical and practical application of a
body of specialized knowledge; and
(B) attainment of a bachelor’s or higher de-
gree in the specific specialty (or its equiva-
lent) as a minimum for entry into the occupa-
tion in the United States.
(j) Labor disputes
(1) 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 16–A of the
USMCA (as defined in section 4502 of title 19),
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 in-
tended place of employment, unless such alien
establishes, pursuant to regulations promul-
gated 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 paragraph
shall be given as may be required by paragraph
3 of article 16.4 of the USMCA. For purposes of
this paragraph, the term ‘‘citizen of Mexico’’
means ‘‘citizen’’ as defined in article 16.1 of the
USMCA.
(2) Notwithstanding any other provision of
this chapter except section 1182(t)(1) of this
title, and subject to regulations promulgated by
the Secretary of Homeland Security, an alien
who seeks to enter the United States under and
pursuant to the provisions of an agreement list-
ed in subsection (g)(8)(A), and the spouse and
children of such an alien if accompanying or fol-
lowing to join the alien, may be denied admis-
sion as a nonimmigrant under subparagraph (E),
(L), or (H)(i)(b1) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title
if there is in progress a labor dispute in the oc-
cupational classification at the place or in-
tended place of employment, unless such alien
establishes, pursuant to regulations promul-
gated by the Secretary of Homeland Security
after consultation with the Secretary of Labor,
that the alien’s entry will not affect adversely
the settlement of the labor dispute or the em-
ployment of any person who is involved in the
labor dispute. Notice of a determination under
this paragraph shall be given as may be required
by such agreement.
(k) Numerical limitations; period of admission;
conditions for admission and stay; annual re-
port
(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 200. 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 50.
(2) 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.
(3) As a condition for the admission, and con-
tinued stay in lawful status, of such a non-
immigrant, the nonimmigrant—
(A) shall report not less often than quarterly
to the Attorney General such information con-
cerning the alien’s whereabouts and activities
as the Attorney General may require;
(B) may not be convicted of any criminal of-
fense punishable by a term of imprisonment of
1 year or more after the date of such admis-
sion;
(C) must have executed a form that waives
the nonimmigrant’s right to contest, other
than on the basis of an application for with-
holding of removal, any action for removal of
the alien instituted before the alien obtains
lawful permanent resident status; and
(D) shall abide by any other condition, limi-
tation, or restriction imposed by the Attorney
General.
(4) The Attorney General shall submit a report
annually to the Committee on the Judiciary of
the House of Representatives and the Com-
mittee on the Judiciary of the Senate con-
cerning—
(A) the number of such nonimmigrants ad-
mitted;
(B) the number of successful criminal pros-
ecutions or investigations resulting from co-
operation 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 re-
sulted 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 (3)) or who have been con-
victed of crimes in the United States after the
date of their admission as such a non-
immigrant.
(l) Restrictions on waiver
(1) In the case of a request by an interested
State agency, or by an interested Federal agen-
cy, for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence
requirement under section 1182(e) of this title on
behalf of an alien described in clause (iii) of such
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 fur-
nishes the Director of the United States Infor-
Page 229
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
mation Agency with a statement in writing
that it has no objection to such waiver;
(B) in the case of a request by an interested
State agency, the grant of such waiver would
not cause the number of waivers allotted for
that State for that fiscal year to exceed 30;
(C) in the case of a request by an interested
Federal agency or by an interested State agen-
cy—
(i) the alien demonstrates a bona fide offer
of full-time employment at a health facility
or health care organization, which employ-
ment has been determined by the Attorney
General to be in the public interest; and
(ii) the alien agrees to begin employment
with the health facility or health care orga-
nization within 90 days of receiving such
waiver, and agrees to continue to work for a
total of not less than 3 years (unless the At-
torney General determines that extenuating
circumstances exist, such as closure of the
facility or hardship to the alien, which
would justify a lesser period of employment
at such health facility or health care organi-
zation, in which case the alien must dem-
onstrate another bona fide offer of employ-
ment at a health facility or health care or-
ganization for the remainder of such 3-year
period); and
(D) in the case of a request by an interested
Federal agency (other than a request by an in-
terested Federal agency to employ the alien
full-time in medical research or training) or
by an interested State agency, the alien
agrees to practice primary care or specialty
medicine in accordance with paragraph (2) for
a total of not less than 3 years only in the geo-
graphic area or areas which are designated by
the Secretary of Health and Human Services
as having a shortage of health care profes-
sionals, except that—
(i) in the case of a request by the Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs, the alien shall not
be required to practice medicine in a geo-
graphic area designated by the Secretary;
(ii) in the case of a request by an inter-
ested State agency, the head of such State
agency determines that the alien is to prac-
tice medicine under such agreement in a fa-
cility that serves patients who reside in one
or more geographic areas so designated by
the Secretary of Health and Human Services
(without regard to whether such facility is
located within such a designated geographic
area), and the grant of such waiver would
not cause the number of the waivers granted
on behalf of aliens for such State for a fiscal
year (within the limitation in subparagraph
(B)) in accordance with the conditions of
this clause to exceed 10; and
(iii) in the case of a request by an inter-
ested Federal agency or by an interested
State agency for a waiver for an alien who
agrees to practice specialty medicine in a fa-
cility located in a geographic area so des-
ignated by the Secretary of Health and
Human Services, the request shall dem-
onstrate, based on criteria established by
such agency, that there is a shortage of
health care professionals able to provide
services in the appropriate medical specialty
to the patients who will be served by the
alien.
(2)(A) Notwithstanding section 1258(a)(2) of
this title, the Attorney General may change the
status of an alien who qualifies under this sub-
section and section 1182(e) of this title to that of
an alien described in section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)
of this title. The numerical limitations con-
tained in subsection (g)(1)(A) shall not apply to
any alien whose status is changed under the pre-
ceding sentence, if the alien obtained a waiver of
the 2-year foreign residence requirement upon a
request by an interested Federal agency or an
interested State agency.
(B) No person who has obtained a change of
status under subparagraph (A) and who has
failed to fulfill the terms of the contract with
the health facility or health care organization
named in the waiver application shall be eligible
to apply for an immigrant visa, for permanent
residence, or for any other change of non-
immigrant 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 2
years following departure from the United
States.
(3) Notwithstanding any other provision of
this subsection, the 2-year foreign residence re-
quirement under section 1182(e) of this title
shall apply with respect to an alien described in
clause (iii) of such section, who has not other-
wise
been
accorded
status
under
section
1101(a)(27)(H) of this title, if—
(A) at any time the alien ceases to comply
with any agreement entered into under sub-
paragraph (C) or (D) of paragraph (1); or
(B) the alien’s employment ceases to benefit
the public interest at any time during the 3-
year period described in paragraph (1)(C).
(m) Nonimmigrant elementary and secondary
school students
(1) An alien may not be accorded status as a
nonimmigrant under clause (i) or (iii) of section
1101(a)(15)(F) of this title in order to pursue a
course of study—
(A) at a public elementary school or in a
publicly funded adult education program; or
(B) at a public secondary school unless—
(i) the aggregate period of such status at
such a school does not exceed 12 months
with respect to any alien, and (ii) the alien
demonstrates that the alien has reimbursed
the local educational agency that admin-
isters the school for the full, unsubsidized
per capita cost of providing education at
such school for the period of the alien’s at-
tendance.
(2) An alien who obtains the status of a non-
immigrant under clause (i) or (iii) of section
1101(a)(15)(F) of this title in order to pursue a
course of study at a private elementary or sec-
ondary school or in a language training program
that is not publicly funded shall be considered
to have violated such status, and the alien’s visa
under section 1101(a)(15)(F) of this title shall be
void, if the alien terminates or abandons such
course of study at such a school and undertakes
a course of study at a public elementary school,
Page 230
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
in a publicly funded adult education program, in
a publicly funded adult education language
training program, or at a public secondary
school (unless the requirements of paragraph
(1)(B) are met).
(n) Increased portability of H–1B status
(1) A nonimmigrant alien described in para-
graph (2) who was previously issued a visa or
otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under
section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title is author-
ized to accept new employment upon the filing
by the prospective employer of a new petition on
behalf of such nonimmigrant as provided under
subsection (a). Employment authorization shall
continue for such alien until the new petition is
adjudicated. If the new petition is denied, such
authorization shall cease.
(2) A nonimmigrant alien described in this
paragraph is a nonimmigrant alien—
(A) who has been lawfully admitted into the
United States;
(B) on whose behalf an employer has filed a
nonfrivolous petition for new employment be-
fore the date of expiration of the period of
stay authorized by the Attorney General; and
(C) who, subsequent to such lawful admis-
sion, has not been employed without author-
ization in the United States before the filing
of such petition.
(o) Nonimmigrants guilty of trafficking in per-
sons
(1) No alien shall be eligible for admission to
the United States under section 1101(a)(15)(T) of
this title if there is substantial reason to believe
that the alien has committed an act of a severe
form of trafficking in persons (as defined in sec-
tion 7102 of title 22).
(2) The total number of aliens who may be
issued
visas
or
otherwise
provided
non-
immigrant status during any fiscal year under
section 1101(a)(15)(T) of this title may not exceed
5,000.
(3) The numerical limitation of paragraph (2)
shall only apply to principal aliens and not to
the spouses, sons, daughters, siblings, or parents
of such aliens.
(4) An unmarried alien who seeks to accom-
pany, or follow to join, a parent granted status
under section 1101(a)(15)(T)(i) of this title, and
who was under 21 years of age on the date on
which such parent applied for such status, shall
continue to be classified as a child for purposes
of section 1101(a)(15)(T)(ii) of this title, if the
alien attains 21 years of age after such parent’s
application was filed but while it was pending.
(5) An alien described in clause (i) of section
1101(a)(15)(T) of this title shall continue to be
treated as an alien described in clause (ii)(I) of
such section if the alien attains 21 years of age
after the alien’s application for status under
such clause (i) is filed but while it is pending.
(6) In making a determination under section
1101(a)(15)(T)(i)(III)(aa) with respect to an alien,
statements from State and local law enforce-
ment officials that the alien has complied with
any reasonable request for assistance in the in-
vestigation or prosecution of crimes such as kid-
napping, rape, slavery, or other forced labor of-
fenses, where severe forms of trafficking in per-
sons (as defined in section 7102 of title 22) appear
to have been involved, shall be considered.
(7)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B),
an alien who is issued a visa or otherwise pro-
vided
nonimmigrant
status
under
section
1101(a)(15)(T) of this title may be granted such
status for a period of not more than 4 years.
(B) An alien who is issued a visa or otherwise
provided nonimmigrant status under section
1101(a)(15)(T) of this title may extend the period
of such status beyond the period described in
subparagraph (A) if—
(i) a Federal, State, or local law enforcement
official, prosecutor, judge, or other authority
investigating or prosecuting activity relating
to human trafficking or certifies that the
presence of the alien in the United States is
necessary to assist in the investigation or
prosecution of such activity;
(ii) the alien is eligible for relief under sec-
tion 1255(l) of this title and is unable to obtain
such relief because regulations have not been
issued to implement such section; or
(iii) the Secretary of Homeland Security de-
termines that an extension of the period of
such nonimmigrant status is warranted due to
exceptional circumstances.
(C)
Nonimmigrant
status
under
section
1101(a)(15)(T) of this title shall be extended dur-
ing the pendency of an application for adjust-
ment of status under section 1255(l) of this title.
(p)
Requirements
applicable
to
section
1101(a)(15)(U) visas
(1)
Petitioning
procedures
for
section
1101(a)(15)(U) visas
The petition filed by an alien under section
1101(a)(15)(U)(i) of this title shall contain a
certification from a Federal, State, or local
law enforcement official, prosecutor, judge, or
other Federal, State, or local authority inves-
tigating criminal activity described in section
1101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of this title. This certifi-
cation may also be provided by an official of
the Service whose ability to provide such cer-
tification is not limited to information con-
cerning immigration violations. This certifi-
cation shall state that the alien ‘‘has been
helpful, is being helpful, or is likely to be help-
ful’’ in the investigation or prosecution of
criminal
activity
described
in
section
1101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of this title.
(2) Numerical limitations
(A) The number of aliens who may be issued
visas or otherwise provided status as non-
immigrants under section 1101(a)(15)(U) of this
title in any fiscal year shall not exceed 10,000.
(B) The numerical limitations in subpara-
graph (A) shall only apply to principal aliens
described in section 1101(a)(15)(U)(i) of this
title, and not to spouses, children, or, in the
case of alien children, the alien parents of
such children.
(3) Duties of the Attorney General with respect
to ‘‘U’’ visa nonimmigrants
With respect to nonimmigrant aliens de-
scribed in subsection (a)(15)(U) of section 1101
of this title—
(A) the Attorney General and other gov-
ernment officials, where appropriate, shall
provide those aliens with referrals to non-
Page 231
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
governmental organizations to advise the
aliens regarding their options while in the
United States and the resources available to
them; and
(B) the Attorney General shall, during the
period those aliens are in lawful temporary
resident status under that subsection, pro-
vide the aliens with employment authoriza-
tion.
(4) Credible evidence considered
In acting on any petition filed under this
subsection, the consular officer or the Attor-
ney General, as appropriate, shall consider
any credible evidence relevant to the petition.
(5) Nonexclusive relief
Nothing in this subsection limits the ability
of aliens who qualify for status under section
1101(a)(15)(U) of this title to seek any other
immigration benefit or status for which the
alien may be eligible.
(6) Duration of status
The authorized period of status of an alien
as a nonimmigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(U)
of this title shall be for a period of not more
than 4 years, but shall be extended upon cer-
tification from a Federal, State, or local law
enforcement official, prosecutor, judge, or
other Federal, State, or local authority inves-
tigating or prosecuting criminal activity de-
scribed in section 1101(a)(15)(U)(iii) of this title
that the alien’s presence in the United States
is required to assist in the investigation or
prosecution of such criminal activity. The
Secretary of Homeland Security may extend,
beyond the 4-year period authorized under this
section, the authorized period of status of an
alien
as
a
nonimmigrant
under
section
1101(a)(15)(U) of this title if the Secretary de-
termines that an extension of such period is
warranted due to exceptional circumstances.
Such alien’s nonimmigrant status shall be ex-
tended beyond the 4-year period authorized
under this section if the alien is eligible for re-
lief under section 1255(m) of this title and is
unable to obtain such relief because regula-
tions have not been issued to implement such
section and shall be extended during the pend-
ency of an application for adjustment of sta-
tus under section 1255(m) of this title. The
Secretary may grant work authorization to
any alien who has a pending, bona fide appli-
cation for nonimmigrant status under section
1101(a)(15)(U) of this title.
(7) Age determinations
(A) Children
An unmarried alien who seeks to accom-
pany, or follow to join, a parent granted sta-
tus under section 1101(a)(15)(U)(i) of this
title, and who was under 21 years of age on
the date on which such parent petitioned for
such status, shall continue to be classified
as
a
child
for
purposes
of
section
1101(a)(15)(U)(ii) of this title, if the alien at-
tains 21 years of age after such parent’s peti-
tion was filed but while it was pending.
(B) Principal aliens
An alien described in clause (i) of section
1101(a)(15)(U) of this title shall continue to
be treated as an alien described in clause
(ii)(I) of such section if the alien attains 21
years of age after the alien’s application for
status under such clause (i) is filed but while
it is pending.
(q) Employment of nonimmigrants described in
section 1101(a)(15)(V)
(1) In the case of a nonimmigrant described in
section 1101(a)(15)(V) of this title—
(A) the Attorney General shall authorize the
alien to engage in employment in the United
States during the period of authorized admis-
sion and shall provide the alien with an ‘‘em-
ployment authorized’’ endorsement or other
appropriate document signifying authoriza-
tion of employment; and
(B) the period of authorized admission as
such a nonimmigrant shall terminate 30 days
after the date on which any of the following is
denied:
(i) The petition filed under section 1154 of
this title to accord the alien a status under
section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title (or, in the
case of a child granted nonimmigrant status
based on eligibility to receive a visa under
section 1153(d) of this title, the petition filed
to accord the child’s parent a status under
section 1153(a)(2)(A) of this title).
(ii) The alien’s application for an immi-
grant visa pursuant to the approval of such
petition.
(iii) The alien’s application for adjustment
of status under section 1255 of this title pur-
suant to the approval of such petition.
(2) In determining whether an alien is eligible
to be admitted to the United States as a non-
immigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(V) of this
title, the grounds for inadmissibility specified in
section 1182(a)(9)(B) of this title shall not apply.
(3) The status of an alien physically present in
the United States may be adjusted by the Attor-
ney General, in the discretion of the Attorney
General and under such regulations as the At-
torney General may prescribe, to that of a non-
immigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(V) of this
title, if the alien—
(A) applies for such adjustment;
(B) satisfies the requirements of such sec-
tion; and
(C) is eligible to be admitted to the United
States, except in determining such admissi-
bility, the grounds for inadmissibility speci-
fied in paragraphs (6)(A), (7), and (9)(B) of sec-
tion 1182(a) of this title shall not apply.
(r) Visas of nonimmigrants described in section
1101(a)(15)(K)(ii)
(1) A visa shall not be issued under the provi-
sions of section 1101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of this title
until the consular officer has received a petition
filed in the United States by the spouse of the
applying alien and approved by the Attorney
General. The petition shall be in such form and
contain such information as the Attorney Gen-
eral shall, by regulation, prescribe. Such infor-
mation shall include information on any crimi-
nal convictions of the petitioner for any speci-
fied crime described in paragraph (5)(B) and in-
formation on any permanent protection or re-
straining order issued against the petitioner re-
Page 232
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
3 So in original. Probably should be ‘‘paragraph’’.
lated to any specified crime described in sub-
section 3 (5)(B)(i).
(2) In the case of an alien seeking admission
under section 1101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of this title who
concluded a marriage with a citizen of the
United States outside the United States, the
alien shall be considered inadmissible under sec-
tion 1182(a)(7)(B) of this title if the alien is not
at the time of application for admission in pos-
session of a valid nonimmigrant visa issued by a
consular officer in the foreign state in which the
marriage was concluded.
(3) In the case of a nonimmigrant described in
section 1101(a)(15)(K)(ii) of this title, and any
child of such a nonimmigrant who was admitted
as accompanying, or following to join, such a
nonimmigrant, the period of authorized admis-
sion shall terminate 30 days after the date on
which any of the following is denied:
(A) The petition filed under section 1154 of
this title to accord the principal alien status
under section 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) of this title.
(B) The principal alien’s application for an
immigrant visa pursuant to the approval of
such petition.
(C) The principal alien’s application for ad-
justment of status under section 1255 of this
title pursuant to the approval of such petition.
(4)(A) The Secretary of Homeland Security
shall create a database for the purpose of track-
ing multiple visa petitions filed for fiance´(e)s
and spouses under clauses (i) and (ii) of section
1101(a)(15)(K) of this title. Upon approval of a
second visa petition under section 1101(a)(15)(K)
of this title for a fiance´(e) or spouse filed by the
same United States citizen petitioner, the peti-
tioner shall be notified by the Secretary that in-
formation concerning the petitioner has been
entered into the multiple visa petition tracking
database. All subsequent fiance´(e) or spouse
nonimmigrant visa petitions filed by that peti-
tioner under such section shall be entered in the
database.
(B)(i) Once a petitioner has had two fiance´(e)
or spousal petitions approved under clause (i) or
(ii) of section 1101(a)(15)(K) of this title, if a sub-
sequent petition is filed under such section less
than 10 years after the date the first visa peti-
tion was filed under such section, the Secretary
of Homeland Security shall notify both the peti-
tioner and beneficiary of any such subsequent
petition about the number of previously ap-
proved fiance´(e) or spousal petitions listed in
the database.
(ii) To notify the beneficiary as required by
clause (i), the Secretary of Homeland Security
shall provide such notice to the Secretary of
State for inclusion in the mailing to the bene-
ficiary described in section 1375a(a)(5)(A)(i) of
this title.
(5) In this subsection:
(A) The terms ‘‘domestic violence’’, ‘‘sexual
assault’’, ‘‘child abuse and neglect’’, ‘‘dating
violence’’, ‘‘elder abuse’’, and ‘‘stalking’’ have
the meaning given such terms in section 3 of
the Violence Against Women and Department
of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005.1
(B) The term ‘‘specified crime’’ means the
following:
(i) Domestic violence, sexual assault, child
abuse and neglect, dating violence, elder
abuse, stalking, or an attempt to commit
any such crime.
(ii) Homicide, murder, manslaughter, rape,
abusive sexual contact, sexual exploitation,
incest, torture, trafficking, peonage, holding
hostage, involuntary servitude, slave trade,
kidnapping, abduction, unlawful criminal re-
straint, false imprisonment, or an attempt
to commit any of the crimes described in
this clause.
(iii) At least three convictions for crimes
relating to a controlled substance or alcohol
not arising from a single act.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 2, § 214, 66 Stat.
189; Pub. L. 91–225, § 3, Apr. 7, 1970, 84 Stat. 117;
Pub. L. 98–454, title VI, § 602(b), Oct. 5, 1984, 98
Stat. 1737; Pub. L. 99–603, title III, §§ 301(b),
313(b), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3411, 3438; Pub. L.
99–639, § 3(a), (c), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3542; Pub.
L. 100–449, title III, § 307(b), Sept. 28, 1988, 102
Stat. 1877; Pub. L. 100–525, § 2(l)(1), Oct. 24, 1988,
102 Stat. 2612; Pub. L. 101–649, title II, §§ 202(a),
205(a), (b), (c)(2), 206(b), 207(b), Nov. 29, 1990, 104
Stat. 5014, 5019, 5020, 5023, 5025; 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), Dec.
12, 1991, 105 Stat. 1737–1741, 1748; Pub. L. 103–322,
title XIII, § 130003(b)(2), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat.
2025; Pub. L. 103–416, title II, § 220(b), Oct. 25,
1994, 108 Stat. 4319; Pub. L. 104–208, div. C, title
III, § 308(e)(1)(D), (2)(B), (f)(1)(G), (H), (3)(B),
(g)(5)(A)(i), (7)(A), title VI, §§ 621, 622(c), 625(a)(1),
671(a)(3)(A), (e)(4)(A), Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat.
3009–619 to 3009–621, 3009–623, 3009–695, 3009–699,
3009–721, 3009–723; Pub. L. 105–65, title I, § 108,
Oct. 27, 1997, 111 Stat. 1350; Pub. L. 105–277, div.
C, title IV, §§ 411(a), 414(a), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat.
2681–642, 2681–651; Pub. L. 106–104, § 2, Nov. 13,
1999, 113 Stat. 1483; Pub. L. 106–311, § 1, Oct. 17,
2000, 114 Stat. 1247; Pub. L. 106–313, title I,
§§ 102(a), 103, 105(a), 108, Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat.
1251–1253, 1255; Pub. L. 106–386, div. A, § 107(e)(2),
div. B, title V, § 1513(c), Oct. 28, 2000, 114 Stat.
1478, 1535; Pub. L. 106–396, title IV, § 401, Oct. 30,
2000, 114 Stat. 1647; Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title
XI, §§ 1102(b), (d)(1), 1103(b), (c)(1)], Dec. 21, 2000,
114 Stat. 2762, 2762A–142, 2762A–144, 2762A–145;
Pub. L. 107–45, § 1, Oct. 1, 2001, 115 Stat. 258; Pub.
L. 107–124, Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2402; Pub. L.
107–125, §§ 1, 2(a), Jan. 16, 2002, 115 Stat. 2403; Pub.
L. 107–273, div. C, title I, § 11018(a), Nov. 2, 2002,
116 Stat. 1825; Pub. L. 107–274, § 2(c), Nov. 2, 2002,
116 Stat. 1923; Pub. L. 108–77, title IV, §§ 402(a)(2),
(d)(1), 403, 404, Sept. 3, 2003, 117 Stat. 940, 946, 947;
Pub. L. 108–78, title IV, § 402, Sept. 3, 2003, 117
Stat. 970; Pub. L. 108–193, §§ 4(b)(2), 8(a)(3), Dec.
19, 2003, 117 Stat. 2878, 2886; Pub. L. 108–441,
§ 1(b)–(d), Dec. 3, 2004, 118 Stat. 2630; Pub. L.
108–447, div. J, title IV, §§ 412(a), 413(a), 422(b),
425(a) 426(a), Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 3351–3353, 3356,
3357; Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title IV, §§ 402(a),
403(a), 404(a), 405, title V, § 501(b), (c), May 11,
2005, 119 Stat. 318–322; Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII,
§§ 821(a), (b), (c)(2), 832(a)(1),(2), Jan. 5, 2006, 119
Stat. 3062, 3066, 3067; Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title
X, § 1074(a), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2403; Pub. L.
109–463, § 2, Dec. 22, 2006, 120 Stat. 3477; Pub. L.
110–229, title VII, § 702(b)(1), May 8, 2008, 122 Stat.
860; Pub. L. 110–362, § 2, Oct. 8, 2008, 122 Stat. 4013;
Page 233
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
Pub. L. 110–457, title II, § 201(b), (c), Dec. 23, 2008,
122 Stat. 5053; Pub. L. 113–4, title VIII, §§ 805(a),
807(a), Mar. 7, 2013, 127 Stat. 111, 112; Pub. L.
114–113, div. F, title V, § 565, Dec. 18, 2015, 129
Stat. 2523; Pub. L. 116–113, title III, § 311(b), (c),
formerly Pub. L. 103–182, title III, § 341(b), (c),
Dec. 8, 1993, 107 Stat. 2116, 2117, renumbered
§ 311(b), (c) of Pub. L. 116–113 by Pub. L. 116–113,
title V, § 503(b)(1)–(3), Jan. 29, 2020, 134 Stat. 71;
Pub. L. 116–113, title V, § 503(c), Jan. 29, 2020, 134
Stat. 71.)
AMENDMENT OF SECTION
For termination of amendment by section
107(c) of Pub. L. 108–78, see Effective and Ter-
mination Dates of 2003 Amendment note below.
For termination of amendment by section
107(c) of Pub. L. 108–77, see Effective and Ter-
mination Dates of 2003 Amendment note below.
For termination of amendment by section
501(c) of Pub. L. 100–449, see Effective and Ter-
mination Dates of 1988 Amendment note below.
Editorial Notes
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The International Organizations Immunities Act, re-
ferred to in subsec. (b), is act Dec. 29, 1945, ch. 652, title
I, 59 Stat. 669, which is classified principally to sub-
chapter XVIII (§ 288 et seq.) of chapter 7 of Title 22, For-
eign Relations and Intercourse. For complete classi-
fication of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note
set out under section 288 of Title 22 and Tables.
Section 4605(j)(1)(A) of title 50, referred to in subsec.
(c)(4)(F)(iii)(I), was repealed by Pub. L. 115–232, div. A,
title XVII, § 1766(a), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 2232. Provi-
sions similar to those in former section 4605(j)(1)(A) of
title 50 can be found in section 4813(c)(1)(A)(i) of title
50, as enacted by Pub. L. 115–232.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (c)(4)(H), (e), and
(j), was in the original, ‘‘this Act’’, meaning act June
27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration
and Nationality Act, which is classified principally to
this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to
the Code, see Short Title note set out under section
1101 of this title and Tables.
Section 3 of the Violence Against Women and Depart-
ment of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005, referred to
in subsecs. (d)(3)(A) and (r)(5)(A), is section 3 of Pub. L.
109–162, which enacted sections 10447 and 12291 of Title
34, Crime Control and Law Enforcement, amended sec-
tions 10448, 10465, 12351, 12409, and 12464 of Title 34, re-
pealed former section 3796gg–2 of Title 42, The Public
Health and Welfare, and amended provisions set out as
a note under section 10447 of Title 34.
CODIFICATION
In subsec. (f)(1), ‘‘section 116 of title 46’’ substituted
for ‘‘section 2101(46) of title 46, United States Code’’ on
authority of Pub. L. 109–304, § 18(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat.
1709, section 4 of which enacted subtitle I of Title 46,
Shipping.
Section 503(b)(1)–(3) of Pub. L. 116–113 amended sec-
tion 341 of Pub. L. 103–182, subsecs. (b) and (c) of which
had amended this section, by transferring that section
to the beginning of subtitle B of title III of Pub. L.
116–113 and renumbering it as section 311. Section
503(b)(4) of Pub. L. 116–113 subsequently repealed sub-
secs. (b) and (c) of the renumbered section 311. The
amendments by section 503(b)(1)–(3) of Pub. L. 116–113
resulted in no change to the text of this section. See
source credits above.
AMENDMENTS
2020—Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 116–113, § 503(c)(1)(C), sub-
stituted ‘‘Annex 16–A of the USMCA (as defined in sec-
tion 4502 of title 19)’’ for ‘‘Annex 1603 of the North
American Free Trade Agreement (in this subsection re-
ferred to as ‘NAFTA’)’’ and ‘‘For purposes of this para-
graph, the term ‘citizen of Mexico’ means ‘citizen’ as
defined in article 16.1 of the USMCA.’’ for ‘‘The admis-
sion of an alien who is a citizen of Mexico shall be sub-
ject to paragraphs (3), (4), and (5). For purposes of this
paragraph and paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), the term ‘cit-
izen of Mexico’ means ‘citizen’ as defined in Annex 1608
of NAFTA.’’
Pub. L. 116–113, § 503(c)(1)(A), (B), redesignated par. (2)
as (1) and struck out former par. (1) which read as fol-
lows: ‘‘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 At-
torney General promulgated after consultation with
the Secretaries of State and Labor.’’
Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 116–113, § 503(c)(1)(B), redesig-
nated par. (6) as (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (1).
Subsec. (e)(3) to (5). Pub. L. 116–113, § 503(c)(1)(A),
struck out pars. (3) to (5) which related to non-
immigrant professionals and annual numerical limit
for citizens of Mexico.
Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 116–113, § 503(c)(1)(B), redesig-
nated par. (6) as (2).
Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 116–113, § 503(c)(2), substituted,
in first sentence,‘‘Annex 16–A of the USMCA (as defined
in section 4502 of title 19)’’ for ‘‘Annex 1603 of the North
American Free Trade Agreement’’, in second sentence,
‘‘article 16.4 of the USMCA’’ for ‘‘article 1603 of such
Agreement’’, and, in third sentence, ‘‘article 16.1 of the
USMCA’’ for ‘‘Annex 1608 of such Agreement’’.
2015—Subsec. (g)(9)(A). Pub. L. 114–113 substituted
‘‘2013, 2014, or 2015 shall not again be counted toward
such limitation during fiscal year 2016.’’ for ‘‘2004, 2005,
or 2006 shall not again be counted toward such limita-
tion during fiscal year 2007.’’
2013—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 113–4, § 807(a)(1)(A), sub-
stituted ‘‘crime described in paragraph (3)(B) and infor-
mation on any permanent protection or restraining
order issued against the petitioner related to any speci-
fied crime described in paragraph (3)(B)(i).’’ for
‘‘crime.’’
Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 113–4, § 807(a)(1)(B), sub-
stituted ‘‘the Secretary of Homeland Security’’ for ‘‘a
consular officer’’ and ‘‘the Secretary’’ for ‘‘the officer’’
in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (d)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–4, § 807(a)(1)(C), sub-
stituted ‘‘abuse, stalking, or an attempt to commit any
such crime.’’ for ‘‘abuse, and stalking.’’
Subsec. (p)(7). Pub. L. 113–4, § 805(a), added par. (7).
Subsec. (r)(1). Pub. L. 113–4, § 807(a)(2)(A), substituted
‘‘crime described in paragraph (5)(B) and information
on any permanent protection or restraining order
issued against the petitioner related to any specified
crime described in subsection (5)(B)(i).’’ for ‘‘crime.’’
Subsec. (r)(4)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 113–4, § 807(a)(2)(B),
amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii)
read as follows: ‘‘A copy of the information and re-
sources pamphlet on domestic violence developed under
section 1375a(a) of this title shall be mailed to the bene-
ficiary along with the notification required in clause
(i).’’
Subsec. (r)(5)(B)(i). Pub. L. 113–4, § 807(a)(3), sub-
stituted ‘‘abuse, stalking, or an attempt to commit any
such crime.’’ for ‘‘abuse, and stalking.’’
2008—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 110–229 substituted
‘‘Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands’’ for ‘‘Guam’’ wherever appearing and sub-
stituted ‘‘45 days’’ for ‘‘fifteen days’’.
Subsec. (l)(1)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 110–362 substituted ‘‘10’’
for ‘‘5’’.
Subsec. (o)(7)(B). Pub. L. 110–457, § 201(b)(1), inserted
dash after ‘‘if’’, designated remainder of existing provi-
sions as cl. (i), and added cls. (ii) and (iii).
Page 234
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
Subsec. (o)(7)(C). Pub. L. 110–457, § 201(b)(2), added sub-
par. (C).
Subsec. (p)(6). Pub. L. 110–457, § 201(c), inserted at end
‘‘The Secretary of Homeland Security may extend, be-
yond the 4-year period authorized under this section,
the authorized period of status of an alien as a non-
immigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(U) of this title if
the Secretary determines that an extension of such pe-
riod is warranted due to exceptional circumstances.
Such alien’s nonimmigrant status shall be extended be-
yond the 4-year period authorized under this section if
the alien is eligible for relief under section 1255(m) of
this title and is unable to obtain such relief because
regulations have not been issued to implement such
section and shall be extended during the pendency of an
application for adjustment of status under section
1255(m) of this title. The Secretary may grant work au-
thorization to any alien who has a pending, bona fide
application for nonimmigrant status under section
1101(a)(15)(U) of this title.’’
2006—Subsec. (c)(4)(A)(i), (ii). Pub. L. 109–463, § 2(a),
added cls. (i) and (ii) and struck out former cls. (i) and
(ii) which read as follows:
‘‘(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 ath-
lete with respect to a specific athletic competition.’’
Subsec. (c)(4)(F) to (H). Pub. L. 109–463, § 2(b)–(d),
added subpars. (F) to (H).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–162, § 832(a)(1), designated ex-
isting provisions as par. (1), inserted after second sen-
tence ‘‘Such information shall include information on
any criminal convictions of the petitioner for any spec-
ified crime.’’, substituted ‘‘Secretary of Homeland Se-
curity’’ for ‘‘Attorney General’’ wherever appearing,
and added pars. (2) and (3).
Subsec. (g)(9)(A). Pub. L. 109–364, § 1074(a)(1), sub-
stituted ‘‘Subject to subparagraphs (B) and (C), an alien
who has already been counted toward the numerical
limitation of paragraph (1)(B) during fiscal year 2004,
2005, or 2006 shall not again be counted toward such
limitation during fiscal year 2007’’ for ‘‘Subject to sub-
paragraphs (B) and (C), an alien who has already been
counted toward the numerical limitations of paragraph
(1)(B) during any 1 of the 3 fiscal years prior to the fis-
cal year of the approved start date of a petition for a
nonimmigrant
worker
described
in
section
1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of this title shall not be counted to-
ward such limitation for the fiscal year in which the
petition is approved’’.
Subsec. (g)(9)(B). Pub. L. 109–364, § 1074(a)(2), sub-
stituted ‘‘to admit or otherwise provide status under
section 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of this title’’ for ‘‘referred to
in subparagraph (A)’’ in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (l)(2)(A). Pub. L. 109–162, § 821(c)(2), sub-
stituted ‘‘1258(a)(2)’’ for ‘‘1258(2)’’.
Subsec. (o)(7). Pub. L. 109–162, § 821(a), added par. (7).
Subsec. (p)(6). Pub. L. 109–162, § 821(b), added par. (6).
Subsec. (r)(1). Pub. L. 109–162, § 832(a)(2)(A), inserted
at end ‘‘Such information shall include information on
any criminal convictions of the petitioner for any spec-
ified crime.’’
Subsec. (r)(4), (5). Pub. L. 109–162, § 832(a)(2)(B), added
pars. (4) and (5).
2005—Subsec. (c)(13). Pub. L. 109–13, § 403(a), added par.
(13).
Subsec. (c)(14). Pub. L. 109–13, § 404(a), added par. (14).
Subsec. (g)(9). Pub. L. 109–13, § 402(a), added par. (9).
Subsec. (g)(10). Pub. L. 109–13, § 405, added par. (10).
Subsec. (g)(11). Pub. L. 109–13, § 501(b), added par. (11).
Subsec.
(i)(1).
Pub.
L.
109–13,
§ 501(c),
inserted
‘‘, section 1101(a)(15)(E)(iii) of this title,’’ after ‘‘section
1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title’’ in introductory provi-
sions.
2004—Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 108–447, § 413(a), struck
out at end ‘‘In the case of an alien seeking admission
under section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this title, the 1-year pe-
riod of continuous employment required under such
section is deemed to be reduced to a 6-month period if
the importing employer has filed a blanket petition
under this subparagraph and met the requirements for
expedited processing of aliens covered under such peti-
tion.’’
Subsec. (c)(2)(F). Pub. L. 108–447, § 412(a), added sub-
par. (F).
Subsec. (c)(9)(A). Pub. L. 108–447, § 422(b)(1), struck
out ‘‘October 1, 2003’’ before ‘‘a petition under para-
graph (1)’’ in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (c)(9)(B). Pub. L. 108–447, § 422(b)(2), (3), sub-
stituted ‘‘$1,500’’ for ‘‘$1,000’’ and inserted before period
at end ‘‘except that the fee shall be half the amount for
each such petition by any employer with not more than
25 full-time equivalent employees who are employed in
the United States (determined by including any affil-
iate or subsidiary of such employer)’’.
Subsec. (c)(12). Pub. L. 108–447, § 426(a), added par. (12).
Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 108–447, § 425(a)(1), struck out
‘‘is employed (or has received an offer of employment)
at’’ after ‘‘section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of this title who’’
in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (g)(5)(A). Pub. L. 108–447, § 425(a)(2), inserted
‘‘is employed (or has received an offer of employment)
at’’ before ‘‘an institution’’ and struck out ‘‘or’’ at end.
Subsec. (g)(5)(B). Pub. L. 108–447, § 425(a)(3), inserted
‘‘is employed (or has received an offer of employment)
at’’ before ‘‘a nonprofit’’ and substituted ‘‘; or’’ for pe-
riod at end.
Subsec. (g)(5)(C). Pub. L. 108–447, § 425(a)(4), added sub-
par. (C).
Subsec. (l)(1)(D). Pub. L. 108–441, § 1(c), (d), substituted
‘‘agrees to practice primary care or specialty medi-
cine’’ for ‘‘agrees to practice medicine’’ and ‘‘except
that—’’ for ‘‘except that, in the case of a request by the
Department of Veterans Affairs, the alien shall not be
required to practice medicine in a geographic area des-
ignated by the Secretary.’’ and added cls. (i) to (iii).
Subsec. (l)(2)(A). Pub. L. 108–441, § 1(b), inserted at end
‘‘The numerical limitations contained in subsection
(g)(1)(A) shall not apply to any alien whose status is
changed under the preceding sentence, if the alien ob-
tained a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence require-
ment upon a request by an interested Federal agency or
an interested State agency.’’
2003—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–77, §§ 107(c), 404(1), tem-
porarily substituted ‘‘(other than a nonimmigrant de-
scribed in subparagraph (L) or (V) of section 1101(a)(15)
of this title, and other than a nonimmigrant described
in any provision of section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i) of this title
except subclause (b1) of such section)’’ for ‘‘(other than
a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (H)(i), (L),
or (V) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title)’’. See Effective
and Termination Dates of 2003 Amendments note below.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 108–77, §§ 107(c), 404(2), tempo-
rarily substituted ‘‘subparagraph (H), (L), (O), or (P)(i)
of section 1101(a)(15) of this title (excluding non-
immigrants under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) of this
title)’’ for ‘‘section 1101(a)(15)(H), (L), (O), or (P)(i) of
this title’’. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2003
Amendments note below.
Subsec. (c)(11). Pub. L. 108–77, §§ 107(c), 402(d)(1), tem-
porarily added par. (11). See Effective and Termination
Dates of 2003 Amendments note below.
Subsec. (g)(8). Pub. L. 108–77, §§ 107(c), 402(a)(2)(B),
temporarily added par. (8). See Effective and Termi-
nation Dates of 2003 Amendments note below.
Subsec. (g)(8)(A). Pub. L. 108–78, §§ 107(c), 402(1), tem-
porarily amended subpar. (A) generally. Prior to
amendment, subpar. (A) read as follows: ‘‘The agree-
ment referred to in section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b1) of this
title is the United States-Chile Free Trade Agree-
ment.’’ See Effective and Termination Dates of 2003
Amendments note below.
Subsec. (g)(8)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 108–78, §§ 107(c), 402(2),
temporarily amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amend-
ment, cl. (ii) read as follows: ‘‘The annual numerical
limitations described in clause (i) shall not exceed 1,400
for nationals of Chile for any fiscal year. For purposes
of this clause, the term ‘national’ has the meaning
Page 235
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
given such term in article 14.9 of the United States-
Chile Free Trade Agreement.’’ See Effective and Termi-
nation Dates of 2003 Amendments note below.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 108–77, §§ 107(c), 404(3), tempo-
rarily substituted ‘‘(H)(i)(b) or (c)’’ for ‘‘(H)(i)’’. See Ef-
fective and Termination Dates of 2003 Amendments
note below.
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 108–77, §§ 107(c), 402(a)(2)(A)(i),
temporarily substituted ‘‘Except as provided in para-
graph (3), for purposes’’ for ‘‘For purposes’’. See Effec-
tive and Termination Dates of 2003 Amendments note
below.
Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 108–77, §§ 107(c), 402(a)(2)(A)(ii),
temporarily added par. (3). See Effective and Termi-
nation Dates of 2003 Amendments note below.
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 108–77, §§ 107(c), 403, temporarily
designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted
‘‘this paragraph’’ for ‘‘this subsection’’ in two places,
and added par. (2). See Effective and Termination Dates
of 2003 Amendments note below.
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 108–193, § 8(a)(3), redesignated
subsec. (m), relating to increased portability of H–1B
status, as (n).
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 108–193, § 8(a)(3), redesignated sub-
sec. (m), relating to increased portability of H–1B sta-
tus, as (n). Former subsec. (n), relating to non-
immigrants guilty of trafficking in persons, redesig-
nated (o).
Subsec. (n)(3). Pub. L. 108–193, § 4(b)(2)(A), inserted
‘‘siblings,’’ before ‘‘or parents’’.
Subsec. (n)(4) to (6). Pub. L. 108–193, § 4(b)(2)(B), added
pars. (4) to (6).
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 108–193, § 8(a)(3), redesignated sub-
sec. (n) as (o). Former subsec. (o), relating to require-
ments applicable to section 1101(a)(15)(U) visas, redesig-
nated (p). Another former subsec. (o), relating to em-
ployment of nonimmigrants described in section
1101(a)(15)(V) of this title, redesignated (q).
Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 108–193, § 8(a)(3), redesignated sub-
sec. (o), relating to requirements applicable to section
1101(a)(15)(U) visas, as (p). Former subsec. (p) redesig-
nated (r).
Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 108–193, § 8(a)(3), redesignated sub-
sec. (o), relating to employment of nonimmigrants de-
scribed in section 1101(a)(15)(V) of this title, as (q).
Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 108–193, § 8(a)(3), redesignated sub-
sec. (p) as (r).
2002—Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107–125, § 2(a), inserted
at end ‘‘In the case of an alien seeking admission under
section 1101(a)(15)(L) of this title, the 1-year period of
continuous employment required under such section is
deemed to be reduced to a 6-month period if the import-
ing employer has filed a blanket petition under this
subparagraph and met the requirements for expedited
processing of aliens covered under such petition.’’
Subsec. (c)(2)(E). Pub. L. 107–125, § 1, added subpar.
(E).
Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 107–124 added par. (6).
Subsec. (l)(1)(B). Pub. L. 107–273 substituted ‘‘30;’’ for
‘‘20;’’.
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 107–274 substituted ‘‘clause (i) or
(iii)
of
section
1101(a)(15)(F)’’
for
‘‘section
1101(a)(15)(F)(i)’’ in two places in subsec. (m) relating to
nonimmigrant elementary and secondary school stu-
dents.
2001—Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 107–45, § 1(2), redesignated
par. (3) as (2).
Pub. L. 107–45, § 1(1), which directed that subsec. (k)
be amended by striking (2), was executed by striking
par. (2) to reflect the probable intent of Congress. Prior
to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: ‘‘No alien may
be admitted into the United States as such a non-
immigrant more than 7 years after September 13, 1994.’’
Subsec. (k)(3). Pub. L. 107–45, § 1(2), redesignated par.
(4) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (2).
Subsec. (k)(4). Pub. L. 107–45, § 1(2), redesignated par.
(5) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (3).
Subsec. (k)(4)(E). Pub. L. 107–45, § 1(3), substituted
‘‘paragraph (3)’’ for ‘‘paragraph (4)’’.
Subsec. (k)(5). Pub. L. 107–45, § 1(2), redesignated par.
(5) as (4).
2000—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title XI,
§ 1102(d)(1)], substituted ‘‘(H)(i), (L), or (V)’’ for ‘‘(H)(i)
or (L)’’.
Subsec. (c)(9)(A). Pub. L. 106–311, § 1(1), substituted
‘‘(excluding any employer that is a primary or sec-
ondary education institution, an institution of higher
education, as defined in section 1001(a) of title 20, a
nonprofit entity related to or affiliated with any such
institution, a nonprofit entity which engages in estab-
lished curriculum-related clinical training of students
registered at any such institution, a nonprofit research
organization, or a governmental research organization)
filing before October 1, 2003’’ for ‘‘(excluding an em-
ployer described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section
1182(p)(1) of this title) filing (on or after December 1,
1998, and before October 1, 2001)’’.
Subsec. (c)(9)(B). Pub. L. 106–311, § 1(2), substituted
‘‘$1,000’’ for ‘‘$500’’.
Subsec. (c)(10). Pub. L. 106–396 added par. (10).
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title XI,
§ 1103(c)(1)],
substituted
‘‘1101(a)(15)(K)(i)’’
for
‘‘1101(a)(15)(K)’’.
Subsec. (g)(1)(A)(iv) to (vii). Pub. L. 106–313, § 102(a),
added cls. (iv) to (vi), redesignated former cl. (v) as
(vii), and struck out former cl. (iv) which read as fol-
lows: ‘‘107,500 in fiscal year 2001; and’’.
Subsec. (g)(3). Pub. L. 106–313, § 108, amended par. (3)
generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as follows:
‘‘Aliens who are subject to the numerical limitations of
paragraph (1) shall be issued visas (or otherwise pro-
vided nonimmigrant status) in the order in which peti-
tions are filed for such visas or status.’’
Subsec. (g)(5) to (7). Pub. L. 106–313, § 103, added pars.
(5) to (7).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title XI,
§ 1102(d)(1)], substituted ‘‘(H)(i), (L), or (V)’’ for ‘‘(H)(i)
or (L)’’.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 106–386, § 107(e)(2)(A), redesignated
subsec. (l), relating to nonimmigrant elementary and
secondary school students, as (m).
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 106–386, § 107(e)(2)(A), redesig-
nated subsec. (l), relating to nonimmigrant elementary
and secondary school students, as (m).
Pub. L. 106–313, § 105(a), added subsec. (m) relating to
increased portability of H–1B status.
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 106–386, § 107(e)(2)(B), added sub-
sec. (n).
Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title XI, § 1102(b)],
added subsec. (o) relating to employment of non-
immigrants described in section 1101(a)(15)(V) of this
title.
Pub. L. 106–386, § 1513(c), added subsec. (o) relating to
requirements applicable to section 1101(a)(15)(U) visas.
Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title XI,
§ 1103(b)], added subsec. (p).
1999—Subsec. (k)(2). Pub. L. 106–104 substituted ‘‘7
years’’ for ‘‘5 years’’.
1998—Subsec. (c)(9). Pub. L. 105–277, § 414(a), added par.
(9).
Subsec. (g)(1)(A). Pub. L. 105–277, § 411(a), amended
subpar. (A) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (A)
read as follows: ‘‘under section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of
this title may not exceed 65,000, or’’.
1997—Subsec. (l)(1)(D). Pub. L. 105–65 inserted before
period at end ‘‘, except that, in the case of a request by
the Department of Veterans Affairs, the alien shall not
be required to practice medicine in a geographic area
designated by the Secretary’’.
1996—Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 104–208, § 308(f)(1)(G),
substituted ‘‘admission’’ for ‘‘entry’’.
Subsec. (c)(5)(B). Pub. L. 104–208, § 308(f)(3)(B), sub-
stituted ‘‘is admitted to’’ for ‘‘enters’’.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–208, § 308(g)(5)(A)(i), (7)(A),
substituted ‘‘sections 1229a and 1231’’ for ‘‘sections 1252
and 1253’’.
Pub. L. 104–208, § 308(f)(1)(H), substituted ‘‘admission’’
for ‘‘entry’’.
Pub. L. 104–208, § 308(e)(2)(B), substituted ‘‘removed’’
for ‘‘deported’’.
Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 104–208, § 671(e)(4)(A), sub-
stituted ‘‘section 40102(a)(2) of title 49’’ for ‘‘section
101(3) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958’’.
Page 236
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104–208, § 671(a)(3)(A), redesignated
subsec. (j), relating to numerical limitations on the
number of aliens provided with nonimmigrant visas, as
(k).
Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 104–208, § 621, substituted ‘‘200’’
for ‘‘100’’ and ‘‘50’’ for ‘‘25’’.
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 104–208, § 671(a)(3)(A), redesig-
nated subsec. (j), relating to numerical limitations on
the number of aliens provided with nonimmigrant
visas, as (k). Former (k) redesignated (l).
Pub. L. 104–208, § 622(c), amended subsec. (k) gen-
erally, substituting provisions relating to requests by
interested State and Federal agencies for waivers of the
two-year foreign residence requirement under section
1182(e) of this title for former provisions relating to re-
quests by interested State agencies for such waivers.
Subsec. (k)(4)(C). Pub. L. 104–208, § 308(e)(1)(D), amend-
ed subsec. (k)(4)(C), as redesignated by Pub. L. 104–208,
§ 671(a)(3)(A), by substituting ‘‘removal’’ for ‘‘deporta-
tion’’.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 104–208, § 671(a)(3)(A), redesignated
subsec. (k) as (l).
Pub. L. 104–208, § 625(a)(1), added subsec. (l) relating to
nonimmigrant elementary and secondary school stu-
dents.
1994—Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 103–322 added subsec. (j) re-
lating 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. 116–113, § 311(b), formerly
Pub. L. 103–182, § 341(b), as renumbered by Pub. L.
116–113, § 503(b)(1)–(3), designated existing provisions as
par. (1) and added pars. (2) to (5).
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 116–113, § 311(c), formerly Pub. L.
103–182, § 341(c), as renumbered by Pub. L. 116–113,
§ 503(b)(1)–(3), 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 non-
immigrant
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 sen-
tence in the case of individual tours in which the appli-
cation would work an undue hardship.’’
Subsec. (c)(2)(A). Pub. L. 102–232, § 303(a)(10)(A), sub-
stituted ‘‘individual petitions’’ for ‘‘individuals peti-
tions’’.
Subsec. (c)(2)(D). Pub. L. 102–232, § 303(a)(10)(B), sub-
stituted ‘‘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 sub-
paragraph (A) in the case of aliens who have been ad-
mitted 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 docu-
mentation 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 mo-
tion picture or television production, after consulta-
tion with such a labor organization and a management
organization in the area of the alien’s ability’’ for
‘‘after consultation with labor organizations with ex-
pertise 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 entertain-
ment 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 ex-
isting provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).
Subsec. (c)(5)(A). Pub. L. 102–232, § 303(a)(12), sub-
stituted ‘‘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 sec-
tion 1101(a)(15)(P)(iii) of this title may not exceed
25,000.’’
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–649, § 207(b)(1), des-
ignated 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 subpara-
graph (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), des-
ignated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted ref-
erence 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 temporarily added subsec.
(e). See Effective and Termination Dates of 1988
Amendment note below.
1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–603, § 313(b), inserted pro-
vision 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 vis-
itor for a period exceeding 90 days from the date of ad-
mission.
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 dis-
cretion 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 admis-
sible, the Attorney General shall record the lawful ad-
mission for permanent residence of the alien and minor
children as of the date of the payment of the required
visa fees.’’
Page 237
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–454 inserted ‘‘No alien ad-
mitted 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 ref-
erence to subpar. (L) of section 1101(a)(15) of this title.
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 91–225, § 3(b), added subsec. (d).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2020 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 116–113, title V, § 503(f), Jan. 29, 2020, 134 Stat.
72, provided that:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Each transfer, redesignation, and
amendment made by this section [amending this sec-
tion and sections 1365a and 1773 of this title and redes-
ignating section 341 of Pub. L. 103–182 as section 311 of
Pub. L. 116–113 and transferring it from section 3401 of
Title 19, Customs Duties, to section 4561 of Title 19]
shall—
‘‘(A) take effect on the date on which the USMCA
enters into force [July 1, 2020]; and
‘‘(B) apply with respect to a visa issued on or after
that date.
‘‘(2) TRANSITION FROM NAFTA.—In the case of a visa
issued before the date on which the USMCA enters into
force—
‘‘(A) the transfers, redesignations, and amendments
made by this section shall not apply with respect to
the visa; and
‘‘(B) the provisions of law amended by subsections
(b) through (d) [see bracket above], as such provisions
were in effect on the day before that date, shall con-
tinue to apply on and after that date with respect to
the visa.’’
[For definition of ‘‘USMCA’’ as used in section 503(f)
of Pub. L. 116–113, set out above, see section 4502 of
Title 19, Customs Duties.]
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2013 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 113–4, title VIII, § 805(b), Mar. 7, 2013, 127 Stat.
111, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by sub-
section (a) [amending this section] shall take effect as
if enacted as part of the Victims of Trafficking and Vi-
olence Protection Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–386; 114
Stat. 1464).’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2008 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 110–457 effective Dec. 23, 2008,
and applicable to applications for immigration benefits
filed on or after Dec. 23, 2008, see section 201(f) of Pub.
L. 110–457, set out as a note under section 1101 of this
title.
Amendment by Pub. L. 110–229 effective on the transi-
tion program effective date described in section 1806 of
Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions, see sec-
tion 705(b) of Pub. L. 110–229, set out as an Effective
Date note under section 1806 of Title 48.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2006 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title X, § 1074(c), Oct. 17, 2006,
120 Stat. 2403, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made
by this section [amending this section and provisions
set out as a note under this section] shall take effect
on October 1, 2006. If this section is enacted after Octo-
ber 1, 2006, the amendments made by this section shall
take effect as if enacted on such date.’’
Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, § 832(a)(3), Jan. 5, 2006, 119
Stat. 3068, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by
this subsection [amending this section] shall take ef-
fect on the date that is 60 days after the date of the en-
actment of this Act [Jan. 5, 2006].’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2005 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title IV, § 402(b), May 11, 2005,
119 Stat. 318, as amended by Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title
X, § 1074(b), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2403, provided that:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The amendment in subsection (a)
[amending this section] shall take effect as if enacted
on October 1, 2004.
‘‘(2) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 14 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act [May 11, 2005], the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall begin accepting
and processing petitions filed on behalf of aliens de-
scribed in section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b)], in a
manner consistent with this section [amending this
section] and the amendments made by this section.
Notwithstanding section 214(g)(9)(B) of such Act [8
U.S.C. 1184(g)(9)(B)], as added by subsection (a), the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall allocate addi-
tional numbers for fiscal year 2005 based on statistical
estimates and projections derived from Department of
State data.’’
Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title IV, § 403(c), May 11, 2005,
119 Stat. 319, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by
subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and sec-
tion 1356 of this title] shall take effect 14 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act [May 11, 2005] and
shall apply to filings for a fiscal year after fiscal year
2005.’’
Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title IV, § 404(b), May 11, 2005,
119 Stat. 320, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by
subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect
on October 1, 2005.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2004 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IV, § 412(b), Dec. 8, 2004,
118 Stat. 3352, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by
subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to
petitions filed on or after the effective date of this sub-
title [subtitle A, effective 180 days after Dec. 8, 2004, see
below], whether for initial, extended, or amended clas-
sification.’’
Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IV, § 413(b), Dec. 8, 2004,
118 Stat. 3352, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by
subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply only
to petitions for initial classification filed on or after
the effective date of this subtitle [subtitle A, effective
180 days after Dec. 8, 2004, see below].’’
Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IV, § 417, Dec. 8, 2004, 118
Stat. 3353, provided that: ‘‘This subtitle [subtitle A
(§§ 411–417) of title IV of div. J of Pub. L. 108–447, enact-
ing section 1380 of this title, amending this section, and
enacting provisions set out as notes under this section
and section 1101 of this title] and the amendments
made by this subtitle shall take effect 180 days after
the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 8, 2004].’’
Amendment by sections 422(b) and 426(a) of Pub. L.
108–447 effective Dec. 8, 2004, and amendment by section
425(a) of Pub. L. 108–447 effective 90 days after Dec. 8,
2004, see section 430 of Pub. L. 108–447, set out as a note
under section 1182 of this title.
Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IV, § 426(c), Dec. 8, 2004,
118 Stat. 3358, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made
by this section [amending this section and section 1356
of this title] shall take effect on the date of enactment
of this Act [Dec. 8, 2004], and the fees imposed under
such amendments shall apply to petitions under section
214(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C.
1184(c)], and applications for nonimmigrant visas under
section 222 of such Act [8 U.S.C. 1202], filed on or after
the date that is 90 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act.’’
EFFECTIVE AND TERMINATION DATES OF 2003
AMENDMENTS
Amendment by Pub. L. 108–78 effective on the date
the United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement en-
ters into force (Jan. 1, 2004), and ceases to be effective
on the date the Agreement ceases to be in force, see
section 107 of Pub. L. 108–78, set out in a note under sec-
tion 3805 of Title 19, Customs Duties.
Amendment by Pub. L. 108–77 effective on the date
the United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement enters
into force (Jan. 1, 2004), and ceases to be effective on
Page 238
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
the date the Agreement ceases to be in force, see sec-
tion 107 of Pub. L. 108–77, set out as a note under sec-
tion 3805 of Title 19, Customs Duties.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2002 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 107–273 effective as if enacted
May 31, 2002, see section 11018(d) of Pub. L. 107–273, set
out as a note under section 1182 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2000 AMENDMENTS
Amendment by section 1(a)(2) [title XI, § 1102(b),
(d)(1)] of Pub. L. 106–553 effective Dec. 21, 2000, and ap-
plicable to alien who is beneficiary of classification pe-
tition filed under section 1154 of this title on or before
Dec. 21, 2000, see section 1(a)(2) [title XI, § 1102(e)] of
Pub. L. 106–553, set out as a note under section 1101 of
this title.
Amendment by section 1(a)(2) [title XI, § 1103(b),
(c)(1)] of Pub. L. 106–553 effective Dec. 21, 2000, and ap-
plicable to alien who is beneficiary of classification pe-
tition filed under section 1154 of this title before, on, or
after Dec. 21, 2000, see section 1(a)(2) [title XI, § 1103(d)]
of Pub. L. 106–553, set out as a note under section 1101
of this title.
Pub. L. 106–313, title I, § 105(b), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat.
1253, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by sub-
section (a) [amending this section] shall apply to peti-
tions filed before, on, or after the date of enactment of
this Act [Oct. 17, 2000].’’
Pub. L. 106–311, § 2, Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat. 1247, pro-
vided that: ‘‘The amendment made by section 1(2)
[amending this section] shall apply only to petitions
that are filed on or after the date that is 2 months after
the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2000].’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title IV, § 411(b), Oct. 21, 1998,
112 Stat. 2681–642, provided that: ‘‘The amendment
made by subsection (a) [amending this section] applies
beginning with fiscal year 1999.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1996 AMENDMENT
Amendment by section 308(e)(1)(D), (2)(B), (f)(1)(G),
(H), (3)(B), (g)(5)(A)(i), (7)(A) of Pub. L. 104–208 effective,
with certain transitional provisions, on the first day of
the first month beginning more than 180 days after
Sept. 30, 1996, see section 309 of Pub. L. 104–208, set out
as a note under section 1101 of this title.
Amendment by section 625(a)(1) of Pub. L. 104–208 ap-
plicable to individuals who obtain status of non-
immigrant under section 1101(a)(15)(F) of this title
after end of 60-day period beginning Sept. 30, 1996, in-
cluding aliens whose status as such a nonimmigrant is
extended after end of such period, see section 625(c) of
Pub. L. 104–208, set out as a note under section 1101 of
this title.
Amendment by section 671(a)(3)(A) of Pub. L. 104–208
effective as if included in the enactment of the Violent
Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Pub.
L. 103–322, see section 671(a)(7) of Pub. L. 104–208, set out
as a note under section 1101 of this title.
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 be-
fore Sept. 30, 2015, subject to extensions, see section
220(c) of Pub. L. 103–416, as amended, set out as an Ef-
fective and Termination Dates of 1994 Amendment note
under section 1182 of this title, and bracketed notes
thereunder.
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, formerly set out as a
note under section 4561 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 effec-
tive 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
AMENDMENT
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 en-
ters 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
Pub. L. 99–639, § 3(d)(1), (3), Nov. 10, 1986, 100 Stat. 3542,
provided that:
‘‘(1) The amendments made by subsection (a) [amend-
ing 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) [amend-
ing this section] shall apply to aliens issued visas under
section 101(a)(15)(K) of the Immigration and Nation-
ality 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 appli-
cable 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 sec-
tion 301(d) of Pub. L. 99–603, as amended, set out as an
Effective Date note under section 1188 of this title.
TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
United States Information Agency (other than Broad-
casting Board of Governors and International Broad-
casting Bureau) abolished and functions transferred to
Secretary of State, see sections 6531 and 6532 of Title 22,
Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
ABOLITION OF IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION
SERVICE AND TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS
For abolition of Immigration and Naturalization
Service, transfer of functions, and treatment of related
references, see note set out under section 1551 of this
title.
AUTHORIZATION FOR INCREASE IN NONAGRICULTURAL
WORKER VISAS IN CERTAIN FISCAL YEARS
Pub. L. 118–47, div. G, title I, § 105, Mar. 23, 2024, 138
Stat. 856, provided that: ‘‘Notwithstanding the numer-
ical limitation set forth in section 214(g)(1)(B) of the
Immigration
and
Nationality
Act
(8
U.S.C.
1184(g)(1)(B)), the Secretary of Homeland Security,
after consultation with the Secretary of Labor, and
upon the determination that the needs of United States
businesses cannot be satisfied during fiscal year 2024
Page 239
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
with United States workers who are willing, qualified,
and able to perform temporary nonagricultural labor,
may increase the total number of aliens who may re-
ceive a visa under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b) of such Act
(8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b)) in such fiscal year by not
more than the highest number of H–2B nonimmigrants
who participated in the H–2B returning worker pro-
gram in any fiscal year in which returning workers
were exempt from such numerical limitation.’’
Similar provisions were contained in the following
prior appropriation acts:
Pub. L. 117–328, div. O, title III, § 303, Dec. 29, 2022, 136
Stat. 5227.
Pub. L. 117–103, div. O, title II, § 204, Mar. 15, 2022, 136
Stat. 788.
Pub. L. 116–260, div. O, title I, § 105, Dec. 27, 2020, 134
Stat. 2148.
LIMITATION ON USE OF CERTAIN INFORMATION
Pub. L. 109–162, title VIII, § 832(b), Jan. 5, 2006, 119
Stat. 3068, provided that: ‘‘The fact that an alien de-
scribed in clause (i) or (ii) of section 101(a)(15)(K) of the
Immigration
and
Nationality
Act
(8
U.S.C.
1101(a)(15)(K)) is aware of any information disclosed
under the amendments made by this section [amending
this section] or under section 833 [enacting section
1375a of this title and repealing section 1375 of this
title] shall not be used to deny the alien eligibility for
relief under any other provision of law.’’
EXEMPTION FROM ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE ACT
Pub. L. 109–13, div. B, title IV, § 407, May 11, 2005, 119
Stat. 321, provided that: ‘‘The requirements of chapter
5 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to
as the ‘Administrative Procedure Act’) or any other
law relating to rulemaking, information collection or
publication in the Federal Register, shall not apply to
any action to implement sections 402, 403, and 405
[amending this section and section 1356 of this title and
enacting provisions set out as notes under this section]
or the amendments made by such sections to the extent
the Secretary Homeland of Security, the Secretary of
Labor, or the Secretary of State determine that com-
pliance with any such requirement would impede the
expeditious implementation of such sections or the
amendments made by such sections.’’
L VISA INTERAGENCY TASK FORCE AND INSPECTOR
GENERAL REPORT
Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IV, §§ 415, 416, Dec. 8, 2004,
118 Stat. 3352, provided that:
‘‘SEC. 415. INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORT ON L
VISA PROGRAM.
‘‘Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment
of this Act [Dec. 8, 2004], the Inspector General of the
Department of Homeland Security shall, consistent
with the authority granted the Department under sec-
tion 428 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C.
236), examine and report to the Committees on the Ju-
diciary of the House of Representatives and the Senate
on the vulnerabilities and potential abuses in the visa
program carried out under section 214(c) of the Immi-
gration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(c)) with re-
spect
to
nonimmigrants
described
in
section
101(a)(15)(L) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(L)).
‘‘SEC. 416. ESTABLISHMENT OF TASK FORCE.
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 6 months after
the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 8, 2004], there
shall be established an L Visa Interagency Task Force
that consists of representatives from the Department
of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, and
the Department of State. The Secretaries of each De-
partment and each relevant bureau of the Department
of Homeland Security shall appoint designees to the L
Visa Interagency Task Force. The L Visa Interagency
Task Force shall consult with other agencies deemed
appropriate.
‘‘(b) REPORT.—Not later than 6 months after the sub-
mission of the report by the Inspector General of the
Department of Homeland Security in accordance with
section 6 [probably means section 415 of div. J. of Pub.
L. 108–447], the L Visa Interagency Task Force shall re-
port to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House
of Representatives and the Senate on the efforts to im-
plement the recommendations set forth by the Inspec-
tor General’s report. The L Visa Interagency Task
Force shall note specific areas of agreement and dis-
agreement, and make recommendations to Congress on
the findings of the Task Force, including any sugges-
tions for legislation. The Task Force shall also review
other additional issues as may be raised by the Inspec-
tor General’s report or by the Task Force’s own delib-
erations regarding the policies and purposes of the visa
program relative to national goals and transnational
commerce.’’
STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON COUNTRY OF ORIGIN,
OCCUPATION, EDUCATIONAL LEVEL AND COMPENSATION
Pub. L. 108–447, div. J, title IV, § 425(b), Dec. 8, 2004,
118 Stat. 3356, provided that: ‘‘Beginning on the date of
enactment of this Act [Dec. 8, 2004], the Secretary of
Homeland Security shall maintain statistical informa-
tion on the country of origin and occupation of, edu-
cational level maintained by, and compensation paid
to, each alien who is issued a visa or otherwise provided
nonimmigrant status and is exempt under section
214(g)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1184(g)(5)) for each fiscal year. The statistical in-
formation shall be included in the annual report to
Congress under section 416(c) of the American Competi-
tiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (Pub-
lic Law 105–277; 112 Stat. 2681–655) [set out below].’’
ADDITIONAL VISAS FOR FISCAL YEARS 1999 AND 2000
Pub. L. 106–313, title I, § 102(b), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat.
1251, provided that:
‘‘(1)
IN
GENERAL.—(A)
Notwithstanding
section
214(g)(1)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act
(8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(1)(A)(ii)), the total number of aliens
who may be issued visas or otherwise provided non-
immigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of
such Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)] in fiscal year 1999
is increased by a number equal to the number of aliens
who are issued such a visa or provided such status dur-
ing the period beginning on the date on which the limi-
tation in such section 214(g)(1)(A)(ii) is reached and
ending on September 30, 1999.
‘‘(B) In the case of any alien on behalf of whom a pe-
tition for status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) is filed
before September 1, 2000, and is subsequently approved,
that alien shall be counted toward the numerical ceil-
ing for fiscal year 2000 notwithstanding the date of the
approval of the petition. Notwithstanding section
214(g)(1)(A)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act, the total number of aliens who may be issued visas
or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under sec-
tion 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of such Act in fiscal year 2000 is
increased by a number equal to the number of aliens
who may be issued visas or otherwise provided non-
immigrant status who filed a petition during the period
beginning on the date on which the limitation in such
section 214(g)(1)(A)(iii) is reached and ending on August
31, 2000.
‘‘(2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Paragraph (1) shall take effect
as if included in the enactment of section 411 of the
American Competitiveness and Workforce Improve-
ment Act of 1998 (as contained in title IV of division C
of the Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supple-
mental Appropriations Act, 1999; Public Law 105–277)
[see Effective Date of 1998 Amendment note above].’’
ONE-TIME PROTECTION UNDER PER COUNTRY CEILING
Pub. L. 106–313, title I, § 104(c), Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat.
1253, provided that: ‘‘Notwithstanding section 214(g)(4)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1184(g)(4)), any alien who—
‘‘(1) is the beneficiary of a petition filed under sec-
tion 204(a) of that Act [8 U.S.C. 1154(a)] for a pref-
Page 240
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
erence status under paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of section
203(b) of that Act [8 U.S.C. 1153(b)]; and
‘‘(2) is eligible to be granted that status but for ap-
plication of the per country limitations applicable to
immigrants under those paragraphs,
may apply for, and the Attorney General may grant, an
extension of such nonimmigrant status until the alien’s
application for adjustment of status has been processed
and a decision made thereon.’’
SPECIAL PROVISIONS IN CASES OF LENGTHY
ADJUDICATIONS
Pub. L. 106–313, title I, § 106(a), (b), Oct. 17, 2000, 114
Stat. 1253, 1254, as amended by Pub. L. 107–273, div. C,
title I, § 11030A, Nov. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 1836, provided
that:
‘‘(a) EXEMPTION FROM LIMITATION.—The limitation
contained in section 214(g)(4) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(4)) with respect to the
duration of authorized stay shall not apply to any non-
immigrant alien previously issued a visa or otherwise
provided
nonimmigrant
status
under
section
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)
of
such
Act
(8
U.S.C.
1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)), if 365 days or more have elapsed
since the filing of any of the following:
‘‘(1) Any application for labor certification under
section 212(a)(5)(A) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(A)),
in a case in which certification is required or used by
the alien to obtain status under section 203(b) of such
Act (8 U.S.C. 1153(b)).
‘‘(2) A petition described in section 204(b) of such
Act (3 U.S.C. 1154(b)) [8 U.S.C. 1154(b)] to accord the
alien a status under section 203(b) of such Act.
‘‘(b) EXTENSION OF H–1B WORKER STATUS.—The Attor-
ney General shall extend the stay of an alien who quali-
fies for an exemption under subsection (a) in one-year
increments until such time as a final decision is
made—
‘‘(1) to deny the application described in subsection
(a)(1), or, in a case in which such application is grant-
ed, to deny a petition described in subsection (a)(2)
filed on behalf of the alien pursuant to such grant;
‘‘(2) to deny the petition described in subsection
(a)(2); or
‘‘(3) to grant or deny the alien’s application for an
immigrant visa or for adjustment of status to that of
an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.’’
EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN ‘‘J’’ NONIMMIGRANTS FROM NU-
MERICAL
LIMITATIONS
APPLICABLE
TO
‘‘H–1B’’
NONIMMMIGRANTS
Pub. L. 106–313, title I, § 114, Oct. 17, 2000, 114 Stat.
1262, provided that: ‘‘The numerical limitations con-
tained in section 102 of this title [amending this section
and enacting provisions set out as a note above] shall
not apply to any nonimmigrant alien granted a waiver
that is subject to the limitation contained in paragraph
(1)(B) of the first section 214(l) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1184(l)] (relating to restric-
tions on waivers).’’
IMPROVING COUNT OF H–1B AND H–2B NONIMMIGRANTS
Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title IV, § 416, Oct. 21, 1998, 112
Stat. 2681–655, as amended by Pub. L. 109–13, div. B,
title IV, § 406, May 11, 2005, 119 Stat. 320, provided that:
‘‘(a) ENSURING ACCURATE COUNT.—The Secretary of
Homeland Security shall take such steps as are nec-
essary to maintain an accurate count of the number of
aliens subject to the numerical limitations of section
214(g)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8
U.S.C. 1184(g)(1)) who are issued visas or otherwise pro-
vided nonimmigrant status.
‘‘(b) REVISION OF PETITION FORMS.—The Secretary of
Homeland Security shall take such steps as are nec-
essary to revise the forms used for petitions for visas or
nonimmigrant status under clause (i)(b) or (ii)(b) of
section 101(a)(15)(H) of the Immigration and Nation-
ality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)) so as to ensure that
the forms provide the Secretary of Homeland Security
with sufficient information to permit the Secretary of
Homeland Security accurately to count the number of
aliens subject to the numerical limitations of section
214(g)(1) of such Act (8 U.S.C. 1184(g)(1)) who are issued
visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status.
‘‘(c) PROVISION OF INFORMATION.—
‘‘(1) QUARTERLY NOTIFICATION.—Beginning not later
than 60 days after the first day of fiscal year 1999, the
Secretary of Homeland Security shall notify, on a
quarterly basis, the Committees on the Judiciary of
the United States House of Representatives and the
Senate of the numbers of aliens who were issued visas
or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under
section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Na-
tionality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)] during the
preceding 3-month period.
‘‘(2) ANNUAL
SUBMISSION.—Beginning with fiscal
year 2000, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall
submit on an annual basis, to the Committees on the
Judiciary of the United States House of Representa-
tives and the Senate, information on the countries of
origin and occupations of, educational levels attained
by, and compensation paid to, aliens who were issued
visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status
under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)] dur-
ing the previous fiscal year. With respect to the first
submission under this paragraph, the information
shall relate solely to aliens provided nonimmigrant
status after the date that is 60 days after the date on
which final regulations are issued to carry out sec-
tion 412(a) [amending section 1182 of this title].
‘‘(3) SPECIFICATION OF NUMBER OF PETITIONS FILED BY
CERTAIN EMPLOYERS.—Each notification under para-
graph (1), and each submission under paragraph (2),
shall include the number of aliens who were issued
visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status pur-
suant to petitions filed by institutions or organiza-
tions described in section 212(p)(1) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(p)(1)] (as added by
section 415 of this title).
‘‘(d) PROVISION OF INFORMATION.—
‘‘(1)
SEMIANNUAL
NOTIFICATION.—Beginning
not
later than March 1, 2006, the Secretary of Homeland
Security and the Secretary of State shall notify, on
a semiannual basis, the Committees on the Judiciary
of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the
number of aliens who during the preceding 1-year pe-
riod—
‘‘(A) were issued visas or otherwise provided non-
immigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b)); or
‘‘(B) had such a visa or such status be revoked or
otherwise terminated.
‘‘(2) ANNUAL SUBMISSION.—Beginning in fiscal year
2007, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the
Secretary of State shall submit, on an annual basis,
to the Committees on the Judiciary of the House of
Representatives and the Senate—
‘‘(A) information on the countries of origin of, oc-
cupations of, and compensation paid to aliens who
were issued visas or otherwise provided non-
immigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.
1101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(b)) during the previous fiscal year;
‘‘(B) the number of aliens who had such a visa or
such status expire or be revoked or otherwise ter-
minated during each month of such fiscal year; and
‘‘(C) the number of aliens who were provided non-
immigrant status under such section during both
such fiscal year and the preceding fiscal year.
‘‘(3) INFORMATION MAINTAINED BY STATE.—If the Sec-
retary of Homeland Security determines that infor-
mation maintained by the Secretary of State is re-
quired to make a submission described in paragraph
(1) or (2), the Secretary of State shall provide such in-
formation to the Secretary of Homeland Security
upon request.’’
Page 241
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184
REPORTING ON STUDIES SHOWING ECONOMIC IMPACT OF
H–1B NONIMMIGRANT INCREASE
Pub. L. 105–277, div. C, title IV, § 418(b), Oct. 21, 1998,
112 Stat. 2681–657, provided that: ‘‘The Chairman of the
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the
Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the
Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, the Sec-
retary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the
Secretary of Labor, and any other member of the Cabi-
net, shall promptly report to the Congress the results
of any reliable study that suggests, based on legitimate
economic analysis, that the increase effected by sec-
tion 411(a) of this title [amending this section] in the
number of aliens who may be issued visas or otherwise
provided
nonimmigrant
status
under
section
101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality
Act [8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)] has had an impact on
any national economic indicator, such as the level of
inflation or unemployment, that warrants action by
the Congress.’’
DEADLINE FOR FIRST REPORT WITH RESPECT TO
PETITIONS
Pub. L. 102–232, title II, § 207(c)(2), Dec. 12, 1991, 105
Stat. 1742, provided that: ‘‘The first report under sec-
tion 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 Re-
lating to Nonimmigrant Artists, Athletes, Enter-
tainers, and Fashion Models note under section 1101 of
this title.
WORK AUTHORIZATION DURING PENDING LABOR
DISPUTES
Pub. L. 101–649, title II, § 207(c), Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat.
5026, 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 non-
immigrant (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 em-
ployed 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 lock-
out continues with respect to that occupation and
employer.
‘‘(2) In the case of an alien admitted as a non-
immigrant (other than under section 101(a)(15)(H)(ii)(a)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act) and who is au-
thorized to be employed in an occupation, if non-
immigrants do not constitute a majority of the mem-
bers 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 occu-
pation 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 em-
ployer.
‘‘(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 be-
yond the maximum authorized period of stay.
‘‘(4) The provisions of this subsection shall take ef-
fect on the date of the enactment of this Act.’’
OFF-CAMPUS WORK AUTHORIZATION FOR STUDENTS
(F NONIMMIGRANTS)
Pub. L. 101–649, title II, § 221, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat.
5027, 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 author-
ization 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 aca-
demic standing at the educational institution,
‘‘(2) the employer provides the educational institu-
tion 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 pe-
riods 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 accord-
ance 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 Naturaliza-
tion and the Secretary of Labor shall prepare and sub-
mit 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 At-
torney 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 sec-
tion 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, termi-
nated 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 pur-
suant to any public or private law.
Page 242
TITLE 8—ALIENS AND NATIONALITY
§ 1184a
§ 1184a. Philippine Traders as nonimmigrants
Upon a basis of reciprocity secured by agree-
ment entered into by the President of the
United States and the President of the Phil-
ippines, a national of the Philippines, and the
spouse and children of any such national if ac-
companying or following to join him, may, if
otherwise eligible for a visa and if otherwise ad-
missible into the United States under the Immi-
gration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1101 et
seq.] (66 Stat. 163), be considered to be classifi-
able
as
a
nonimmigrant
under
section
101(a)(15)(E) of said Act if entering solely for the
purposes specified in subsection (i) or (ii) of said
section.
(June 18, 1954, ch. 323, 68 Stat. 264.)
Editorial Notes
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Immigration and Nationality Act, referred to in
text, is act June 27, 1952, ch. 477, 66 Stat. 163, which is
classified principally to this chapter. For complete
classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title
note set out under section 1101 of this title and Tables.
CODIFICATION
Section was not enacted as a part of the Immigration
and Nationality Act which comprises this chapter.
§ 1185. Travel control of citizens and aliens
(a) Restrictions and prohibitions
Unless otherwise ordered by the President, it
shall be unlawful—
(1) for any alien to depart from or enter or
attempt to depart from or enter the United
States except under such reasonable rules,
regulations, and orders, and subject to such
limitations and exceptions as the President
may prescribe;
(2) for any person to transport or attempt to
transport from or into the United States an-
other person with knowledge or reasonable
cause to believe that the departure or entry of
such other person is forbidden by this section;
(3) for any person knowingly to make any
false statement in an application for permis-
sion to depart from or enter the United States
with intent to induce or secure the granting of
such permission either for himself or for an-
other;
(4) for any person knowingly to furnish or
attempt to furnish or assist in furnishing to
another a permit or evidence of permission to
depart or enter not issued and designed for
such other person’s use;
(5) for any person knowingly to use or at-
tempt to use any permit or evidence of permis-
sion to depart or enter not issued and designed
for his use;
(6) for any person to forge, counterfeit, mu-
tilate, or alter, or cause or procure to be
forged, counterfeited, mutilated, or altered,
any permit or evidence of permission to depart
from or enter the United States;
(7) for any person knowingly to use or at-
tempt to use or furnish to another for use any
false, forged, counterfeited, mutilated, or al-
tered permit, or evidence of permission, or any
permit or evidence of permission which,
though originally valid, has become or been
made void or invalid.
(b) Citizens
Except as otherwise provided by the President
and subject to such limitations and exceptions
as the President may authorize and prescribe, it
shall be unlawful for any citizen of the United
States to depart from or enter, or attempt to de-
part from or enter, the United States unless he
bears a valid United States passport.
(c) Definitions
The term ‘‘United States’’ as used in this sec-
tion includes the Canal Zone, and all territory
and waters, continental or insular, subject to
the jurisdiction of the United States. The term
‘‘person’’ as used in this section shall be deemed
to mean any individual, partnership, associa-
tion, company, or other incorporated body of in-
dividuals, or corporation, or body politic.
(d) Nonadmission of certain aliens
Nothing in this section shall be construed to
entitle an alien to whom a permit to enter the
United States has been issued to enter the
United States, if, upon arrival in the United
States, he is found to be inadmissible under any
of the provisions of this chapter, or any other
law, relative to the entry of aliens into the
United States.
(e) Revocation of proclamation as affecting pen-
alties
The revocation of any rule, regulation, or
order issued in pursuance of this section shall
not prevent prosecution for any offense com-
mitted, or the imposition of any penalties or
forfeitures, liability for which was incurred
under this section prior to the revocation of
such rule, regulation, or order.
(f) Permits to enter
Passports, visas, reentry permits, and other
documents required for entry under this chapter
may be considered as permits to enter for the
purposes of this section.
(June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title II, ch. 2, § 215, 66 Stat.
190; Pub. L. 95–426, title VII, § 707(a)–(d), Oct. 7,
1978, 92 Stat. 992, 993; Pub. L. 103–416, title II,
§ 204(a), Oct. 25, 1994, 108 Stat. 4311.)
Editorial Notes
REFERENCES IN TEXT
For definition of Canal Zone, referred to in subsec.
(c), see section 3602(b) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and
Intercourse.
This chapter, referred to in subsecs. (d) and (f), was in
the original, ‘‘this Act’’, meaning act June 27, 1952, ch.
477, 66 Stat. 163, known as the Immigration and Nation-
ality Act, which is classified principally to this chap-
ter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code,
see Short Title note set out under section 1101 of this
title and Tables.
AMENDMENTS
1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–416 inserted ‘‘United
States’’ after ‘‘valid’’.
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–426, § 707(a), substituted
provision that the enumerated acts would, unless oth-
erwise ordered by the President, be deemed unlawful
for provisions declaring it unlawful when the United
States is at war or during a proclaimed national emer-
Cross-references
Connections may be documented source relationships, shared citations or nearby passages. Each explains its basis; a connection alone does not establish applicability to your situation.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) Establishment** There is hereby established the Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission (in this section referred to as “MACPAC”).
**(b) Duties**
(1) **Review of access policies for all States and annual reports** — MACPAC shall—
(A) review policies of the Medicaid program established under this subchapter (in this section referred to as “Medicaid”) and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program established under subchapter XXI (in this section referred to as “CHIP”) affecting access to covered items and services, including topics described in paragraph (2);
(B) make recommendations to Congress, the Secretary, and States concerning such access policies;
(C) by not later than March 15 of each year (beginning with 2010), submit a report to Congress containing the results of such reviews and MACPAC’s recommendations concerning such policies; and
(D) by not later than June 15 of each year (beginning with 2010), submit a report to Congress containing an examination of issues affecting Medicaid and CHIP, including the implications of changes in health care delivery in the United States and in the market for health care services on such programs.
(2) **Specific topics to be reviewed** — Specifically, MACPAC shall review and assess the following:
(A) *Medicaid and CHIP payment policies* — Payment policies under Medicaid and CHIP, including—
(i) the factors affecting expenditures for the efficient provision of items and services in different sectors, including the process for updating payments to medical, dental, and health professionals, hospitals, residential and long-term care providers, providers of home and community based services, Federally-qualified health centers and rural health clinics, managed care entities, and providers of ot
Stored review status: release_metadata_unconfirmed. The source passage cites 42 U.S.C. § 1396. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
§ 1396. Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access
Commission
(a) Establishment
There is hereby established the Medicaid and
CHIP Payment and Access Commission (in this
section referred to as ‘‘MACPAC’’).
(b) Duties
(1) Review of access policies for all States and
annual reports
MACPAC shall—
(A) review policies of the Medicaid pro-
gram established under this subchapter (in
this section referred to as ‘‘Medicaid’’) and
the State Children’s Health Insurance Pro-
gram established under subchapter XXI (in
this section referred to as ‘‘CHIP’’) affecting
access to covered items and services, includ-
ing topics described in paragraph (2);
(B) make recommendations to Congress,
the Secretary, and States concerning such
access policies;
(C) by not later than March 15 of each year
(beginning with 2010), submit a report to
Congress containing the results of such re-
views and MACPAC’s recommendations con-
cerning such policies; and
(D) by not later than June 15 of each year
(beginning with 2010), submit a report to
Congress
containing
an
examination
of
issues affecting Medicaid and CHIP, includ-
ing the implications of changes in health
care delivery in the United States and in the
market for health care services on such pro-
grams.
(2) Specific topics to be reviewed
Specifically, MACPAC shall review and as-
sess the following:
(A) Medicaid and CHIP payment policies
Payment policies under Medicaid and
CHIP, including—
(i) the factors affecting expenditures for
the efficient provision of items and serv-
ices in different sectors, including the
process for updating payments to medical,
dental, and health professionals, hospitals,
residential and long-term care providers,
providers of home and community based
services, Federally-qualified health ce
Stored review status: historical_2024_not_currentness_verified. The source passage cites 42 U.S.C. § 1396. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
It is declared to be the policy of Congress, as a measure of national security, to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation’s children and to encourage the domestic consumption of nutritious agricultural commodities and other food, by assisting the States, through grants-in-aid and other means, in providing an adequate supply of foods and other facilities for the establishment, maintenance, operation, and expansion of nonprofit school lunch programs.
Stored review status: release_metadata_unconfirmed. The source passage cites 42 U.S.C. § 1751. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
§ 1751. Congressional declaration of policy
It is declared to be the policy of Congress, as
a measure of national security, to safeguard the
health and well-being of the Nation’s children
and to encourage the domestic consumption of
nutritious agricultural commodities and other
food, by assisting the States, through grants-in-
aid and other means, in providing an adequate
supply of foods and other facilities for the estab-
lishment, maintenance, operation, and expan-
sion of nonprofit school lunch programs.
(June 4, 1946, ch. 281, § 2, 60 Stat. 230; Pub. L.
101–147, title III, § 312(1), Nov. 10, 1989, 103 Stat.
916.)
Editorial Notes
AMENDMENTS
1989—Pub. L. 101–147 substituted ‘‘school lunch’’ for
‘‘school-lunch’’.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2010 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 111–296, title IV, § 445, Dec. 13, 2010, 124 Stat.
3266, provided that: ‘‘Except as otherwise specifically
provided in this Act [see Short Title of 2010 Amend-
ment note below] or any of the amendments made by
this Act, this Act and the amendments made by this
Act take effect on October 1, 2010.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1989 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 101–147, § 2, Nov. 10, 1989, 103 Stat. 878, pro-
vided that: ‘‘Except as otherwise provided in this Act,
the amendments made by this Act [see Short Title of
1989 Amendment note below] shall take effect on the
date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 10, 1989].’’
SHORT TITLE OF 2022 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 117–158, § 1, June 25, 2022, 136 Stat. 1309, pro-
vided that: ‘‘This Act [amending section 2254c of Title
7, Agriculture, enacting provisions set out as notes
under sections 1753, 1760, and 1766 of this title, and
amending provisions set out as a note under section
1760 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Keep Kids Fed
Act
Stored review status: historical_2024_not_currentness_verified. The source passage cites 42 U.S.C. § 1751. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
In recognition of the demonstrated relationship between food and good nutrition and the capacity of children to develop and learn, based on the years of cumulative successful experience under the national school lunch program with its significant contributions in the field of applied nutrition research, it is hereby declared to be the policy of Congress that these efforts shall be extended, expanded, and strengthened under the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture as a measure to safeguard the health and well-being of the Nation’s children, and to encourage the domestic consumption of agricultural and other foods, by assisting States, through grants-in-aid and other means, to meet more effectively the nutritional needs of our children.
Stored review status: release_metadata_unconfirmed. The source passage cites 42 U.S.C. § 1771. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
§ 1771. Congressional declaration of purpose
In recognition of the demonstrated relation-
ship between food and good nutrition and the ca-
pacity of children to develop and learn, based on
the years of cumulative successful experience
under the national school lunch program with
its significant contributions in the field of ap-
plied nutrition research, it is hereby declared to
be the policy of Congress that these efforts shall
be extended, expanded, and strengthened under
the authority of the Secretary of Agriculture as
a measure to safeguard the health and well-
being of the Nation’s children, and to encourage
the domestic consumption of agricultural and
other foods, by assisting States, through grants-
in-aid and other means, to meet more effectively
the nutritional needs of our children.
(Pub. L. 89–642, § 2, Oct. 11, 1966, 80 Stat. 885.)
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
SHORT TITLE OF 2022 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 117–129, § 1, May 21, 2022, 136 Stat. 1225, pro-
vided that: ‘‘This Act [amending section 1786 of this
title] may be cited as the ‘Access to Baby Formula Act
of 2022’.’’
SHORT TITLE OF 2008 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 110–247, § 1, June 20, 2008, 122 Stat. 2314, pro-
vided that: ‘‘This Act [enacting section 1792 of this title
and provisions set out as notes under section 1792 of
this title] may be cited as the ‘Federal Food Donation
Act of 2008’.’’
SHORT TITLE OF 1992 AMENDMENTS
Pub. L. 102–512, § 1, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3363, pro-
vided that: ‘‘This Act [amending sections 1769, 1776, and
1786 of this title and enacting provisions set out as
notes under this section and sections 1769 and 1786 of
this title] may be cited as the ‘Children’s Nutrition As-
sistance Act of 1992’.’’
Pub. L. 102–512, title I, § 101, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat.
Stored review status: historical_2024_not_currentness_verified. The source passage cites 42 U.S.C. § 1771. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a)** As used in this chapter—
(1) The term “administrator” means the official designated by the Secretary of State pursuant to [section 1104(b) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1104/b&num=0&edition=prelim).
(2) The term “advocates” includes, but is not limited to, advises, recommends, furthers by overt act, and admits belief in.
(3) The term “alien” means any person not a citizen or national of the United States.
(4) The term “application for admission” has reference to the application for admission into the United States and not to the application for the issuance of an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa.
(5) The term “Attorney General” means the Attorney General of the United States.
(6) The term “border crossing identification card” means a document of identity bearing that designation issued to an alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence, or to an alien who is a resident in foreign contiguous territory, by a consular officer or an immigration officer for the purpose of crossing over the borders between the United States and foreign contiguous territory in accordance with such conditions for its issuance and use as may be prescribed by regulations. Such regulations shall provide that (A) each such document include a biometric identifier (such as the fingerprint or handprint of the alien) that is machine readable and (B) an alien presenting a border crossing identification card is not permitted to cross over the border into the United States unless the biometric identifier contained on the card matches the appropriate biometric characteristic of the alien.
(7) The term “clerk of court” means a clerk of a naturalization court.
(8) The terms “Commissioner” and “Deputy Commissioner” mean the Co
Stored review status: release_metadata_unconfirmed. The source passage cites 8 U.S.C. § 1101. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
§ 1101. Definitions
(a) As used in this chapter—
(1) The term ‘‘administrator’’ means the offi-
cial designated by the Secretary of State pursu-
ant to section 1104(b) of this title.
(2) The term ‘‘advocates’’ includes, but is not
limited to, advises, recommends, furthers by
overt act, and admits belief in.
(3) The term ‘‘alien’’ means any person not a
citizen or national of the United States.
(4) The term ‘‘application for admission’’ has
reference to the application for admission into
the United States and not to the application for
the issuance of an immigrant or nonimmigrant
visa.
(5) The term ‘‘Attorney General’’ means the
Attorney General of the United States.
(6) The term ‘‘border crossing identification
card’’ means a document of identity bearing
that designation issued to an alien who is law-
fully admitted for permanent residence, or to an
alien who is a resident in foreign contiguous ter-
ritory, by a consular officer or an immigration
officer for the purpose of crossing over the bor-
ders between the United States and foreign con-
tiguous territory in accordance with such condi-
tions for its issuance and use as may be pre-
scribed by regulations. Such regulations shall
provide that (A) each such document include a
biometric identifier (such as the fingerprint or
handprint of the alien) that is machine readable
and (B) an alien presenting a border crossing
identification card is not permitted to cross
over the border into the United States unless
the biometric identifier contained on the card
matches
the
appropriate
biometric
char-
acteristic of the alien.
(7) The term ‘‘clerk of court’’ means a clerk of
a naturalization court.
(8) The terms ‘‘Commissioner’’ and ‘‘Deputy
Commissioner’’ mean the Commissioner of Im-
migration
Stored review status: historical_2024_not_currentness_verified. The source passage cites 8 U.S.C. § 1101. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) Enforceability**
(1) **Terms of affidavit** — No affidavit of support may be accepted by the Attorney General or by any consular officer to establish that an alien is not excludable as a public charge under [section 1182(a)(4) of this title](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1182/a/4&num=0&edition=prelim) unless such affidavit is executed by a sponsor of the alien as a contract—
(A) in which the sponsor agrees to provide support to maintain the sponsored alien at an annual income that is not less than 125 percent of the Federal poverty line during the period in which the affidavit is enforceable;
(B) that is legally enforceable against the sponsor by the sponsored alien, the Federal Government, any State (or any political subdivision of such State), or by any other entity that provides any means-tested public benefit (as defined in subsection (e) 11 See References in Text note below.), consistent with the provisions of this section; and
(C) in which the sponsor agrees to submit to the jurisdiction of any Federal or State court for the purpose of actions brought under subsection (b)(2).
(2) **Period of enforceability** — An affidavit of support shall be enforceable with respect to benefits provided for an alien before the date the alien is naturalized as a citizen of the United States, or, if earlier, the termination date provided under paragraph (3).
(3) **Termination of period of enforceability upon completion of required period of employment, etc.**
(A) *In general* — An affidavit of support is not enforceable after such time as the alien (i) has worked 40 qualifying quarters of coverage as defined under title II of the Social Security Act [[42 U.S.C. 401](https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:U
Stored review status: release_metadata_unconfirmed. The source passage cites 8 U.S.C. § 1183a. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
§ 1183a. Requirements for sponsor’s affidavit of
support
(a) Enforceability
(1) Terms of affidavit
No affidavit of support may be accepted by
the Attorney General or by any consular offi-
cer to establish that an alien is not excludable
as a public charge under section 1182(a)(4) of
this title unless such affidavit is executed by
a sponsor of the alien as a contract—
(A) in which the sponsor agrees to provide
support to maintain the sponsored alien at
an annual income that is not less than 125
percent of the Federal poverty line during
the period in which the affidavit is enforce-
able;
(B) that is legally enforceable against the
sponsor by the sponsored alien, the Federal
Government, any State (or any political sub-
division of such State), or by any other enti-
ty that provides any means-tested public
benefit (as defined in subsection (e) 1), con-
sistent with the provisions of this section;
and
(C) in which the sponsor agrees to submit
to the jurisdiction of any Federal or State
court for the purpose of actions brought
under subsection (b)(2).
(2) Period of enforceability
An affidavit of support shall be enforceable
with respect to benefits provided for an alien
before the date the alien is naturalized as a
citizen of the United States, or, if earlier, the
termination date provided under paragraph
(3).
(3) Termination of period of enforceability
upon completion of required period of em-
ployment, etc.
(A) In general
An affidavit of support is not enforceable
after such time as the alien (i) has worked 40
qualifying quarters of coverage as defined
under title II of the Social Security Act [42
U.S.C. 401 et seq.] or can be credited with
such qualifying quarters as provided under
subparagraph (B), and (ii) in the case of any
such
Stored review status: historical_2024_not_currentness_verified. The source passage cites 8 U.S.C. § 1183a. This identifies an authority to review, not proof of applicability.