LOS ANGELES, May 25: Just before the long weekend, because of Memorial Day holiday on Monday, the US Justice Department on Friday issued a public notice, seeking advice from lobbies concerned, on its rules to amend current system, governing the retention and reporting information requirements for F, J and M visa holders.

The proposed rules will implement the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and establish a process for electronic reporting by designated school officials (DSOs) of information required by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

“This is necessary to improve and streamline the report and record keeping of F, J and M non-immigrants... and improve accountability and to implement reasonable and clear standards governing the maintenance, extension and reinstatement of student status,” a Department of Justice press release said.

The F-1 visa holders are defined as foreign students, pursuing a full course of study in a college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, private elementary school or language training programme.

While J-1 non-immigrants are defined as foreign nationals who participate in programmes under which they will receive medical education or training.