THE Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) warned Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) participants against violating the terms of their J-1 visa or their future travels to the United States will be jeopardized.
The CFO on Wednesday said failing to return home after an internship can lead to "long-term consequences" for their future travel and immigration plans to the US.
The US Department of State said that the EVP hosts thousands of Filipinos annually in roles ranging from interns to summer work-travel participants.
The US Embassy in Manila earlier warned Filipinos against non-immigrant visa misuse.
"It is your responsibility to use your visa correctly. If they stay longer than allowed, they could be permanently banned from future travel," it said.
During a recent pre-departure orientation seminar at Far Eastern University, the CFO said that the J-1 visa carries a "mandatory" two-year home-country physical presence requirement.
The CFO said that violating this provision of the program "can permanently jeopardize" a participant's ability to obtain future US visas, including work or immigrant visas.
“Many participants view the Exchange Visitor Program as a gateway to permanent work in the US, but that is a dangerous misconception,” said Kristine Gacer, CFO and senior emigrant services officer.
“The J visa is strictly for educational and cultural exchange. Failure to return home as promised is not just a breach of program terms; it creates a legal barrier that could close the doors to the US for years to come,” she said.
The CFO warned that unauthorized employment while under the EVP "triggers flags in international immigration systems, which can result in the automatic denial of future visa applications."
The agency said that the two-year rule is not merely a suggestion but a "cornerstone of the bilateral agreement between the Philippines and the United States."
While the program offers valuable international exposure, the CFO noted that its primary goal is for participants to acquire skills abroad and return to the Philippines to apply that expertise domestically.
“Our role is to protect our youth and ensure they are fully informed of the legal gravity of their status. Registration with the CFO serves as a critical safeguard to help students understand their obligations before they depart,” Gacer said.