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Participants who are unable to arrive in the US and begin their program by their program start date are required promptly notify FUSIA, apply for late entry permission, and complete required amendment procedures within the specified timeframe. For validity, the offer letter must be printed on an official letterhead, stamped, or signed. Alternatively, email confirmation is acceptable, subject to FUSIA’s discretion.

Return www.fusia.net/lateentryletter

Part A Acknowledgement
Sign the last page to confirm acknowledgement and acceptance

1 Arrival and departure windows. Participants’ program start and end dates are specified in their DS-2019 forms. To ensure a timely initiation of their exchange program, participants should arrive in the US within 30 days prior to their program start date, preferably at least 48 hours in advance. This allows sufficient time for the timely initiation of the exchange program. After successfully completing the program, participants should depart from the US within 30 days.

2 Rectification of program deviation. Visa-approved exchange visitors must adhere to the designated start date on their Form DS-2019 and ensure timely arrival in the US to initiate their program. Late arrival or early departure from the program is considered a program deviation necessitating immediate reporting to FUSIA, involving complex procedures, including amendments to SEVIS records and Forms DS-2019 and DS-7002, as well as additional fees. Whether permitted by FUSIA or not, late arrival can result in complications such as difficulties in entering the US or heightened scrutiny during immigration inspection by CBP.

3 SEVIS check-in and record validation. Generally, FUSIA sponsored exchange interns/trainees should complete the mandatory SEVIS check-in procedures within 5 days of the initial program start date, as indicated in their respective Form DS-2019. Subsequently, FUSIA will validate their SEVIS record, changing their status from “initial” to “active.” Failure to validate the record within 30 days of the initial program start date will result in the record being marked as “no show,” indicating a violation of Exchange Visitor Program regulations. This violation will have a negative impact on the participant’s immigration record and render certain immigration benefits, such as extension, reinstatement, or change of category, inapplicable to the participant and their spouse/dependents.

4 Advice. Considering the serious consequences and tight timeframe, participants should make every effort to avoid delays and be well-prepared in advance. Prior to landing, ensure all submissions are cleared. Upon arrival, promptly download Form I-94, obtain a valid US phone number and qualified mobile plan, gather proofs of a US address and phone (even if subject to change), and schedule and attend the post-arrival orientation in a timely manner. Completion of all these steps is necessary before the validation of the SEVIS record can occur. If a delay is inevitable, participants should immediately notify FUSIA by submitting this form and completing any necessary administrative tasks.

5 Disclaimers. If the participant is late by more than 10 days, FUSIA reserves the right to deny permission and may call for program termination without a refund. Even if participants are permitted and the maximum SEVIS validation window is 30 days, it is advised to complete the process within 15 days, allowing a buffer for potential complications.

www.fusia.net/lateentryletter

Part B Late Permission Application
Sign the last page to confirm acknowledgement and acceptance

Please complete the following fields by either pen or typing and sign at the bottom to confirm the participant’s acknowledgement and acceptance. Additionally, upload this form and immediately contact FUSIA to initiate the amendment process. After accepting this form, print the last page and carry it with the participant when crossing the border, presenting it to CBP when necessary.

☐ Change ☐ No change
Initial program start date:
Flight arrival date/time:
New program start date (mm-dd-yyyy): _________________________________

☐ Change ☐ No change
Initial program end date:
Flight departure date/time:
New program start date (mm-dd-yyyy): _________________________________

Indicate the reasons in the space provided:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

By completing this form and providing their signature below, participant

1 Affirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to all statements in this document
2 Explicitly acknowledges that delayed entry may entail risks and complications
3 Certifies understanding of the risks associated with attempting entry to the US after the initial program date
4 Acknowledges that CBP retains discretion in determining their eligibility for admission
5 Assumes responsibility for all incurred program fees, including fees for form amendments and reinstatement (if allowed)
6 Has informed MPS/PPS(s) of the new program start date
7 FUSIA reserves the right to reject late arrivals exceeding 10 days, leading to program termination without refund

_______________________________________________
Participant ID:
Name:
Signature date: 04-19-2024 EST

www.fusia.net/lateentryletter