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Exchange Visitor Program--General Provisions--The Department of State is continuing its  rulemaking that amended the general provisions (subpart A) of the existing Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) regulations. This section of the regulations establishes the procedures for designated program sponsors and addresses overall program administration. The regulations encompass technical changes to the general provisions and address public diplomacy and foreign policy concerns, including the Department's ability to monitor program sponsors and to ensure the safety and well-being of foreign nationals who come to the United States as program participants. The final rule, which accepted comments, was effective on January 5, 2015.  The latest interim final rule, with a request for comments,  continues that rulemaking by implementing a suggestion from one of the commenters that, in addition to the use of pen signatures, sponsors be able to electronically sign and transmit Forms DS-2019, the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status, which is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)-generated document that prospective exchange visitors must present at U.S. embassies or consulates to obtain J-visas.