HR-1354 : Still Just a Bill


Jobs Originated through Launching Travel Act of 2013 or JOLT Act of 2013 - Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to direct the Secretary of State (Secretary) to establish a pilot fee-based premium processing service to expedite visa interview appointments. Authorizes the Secretary to collect and set fee amounts.

Authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to admit into the United States a qualifying Canadian citizen over 50 years old and spouse for a period not to exceed 240 days if the person maintains a Canadian residence and owns a U.S. residence or has rented a U.S. accommodation for the duration of such stay.

Directs the Secretary to require overseas visa processing posts to make public the availability of visa appointments during periods of low demand to encourage visa applicants to apply when interview wait times are lowest.

Revises the visa waiver program to: (1) authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate any country as a program country; (2) adjust visa refusal rate criteria, including addition of a 3% maximum overstay rate; and (3) revise probationary and termination provisions.

Directs the Secretary to require U.S. diplomatic and consular missions to: (1) conduct nonimmigrant visa application interviews expeditiously, consistent with national security requirements and in recognition of resource allocation considerations; and (2) set a goal of interviewing 90% of all nonimmigrant visa applicants, worldwide, within 10 days of application receipt.

Directs the Secretary to: (1) develop and conduct a pilot program for processing visas using secure remote videoconferencing technology, and (2) seek to coordinate enrollment and interview processes for individuals eligible for both a U.S. visa and enrollment in the Global Entry program.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2013-04-15CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Immigration And Border Security.House committee actions
2013-03-21IntroReferralReferred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.House floor actions
2013-03-21IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Sponsor :

Joseph J. Heck [R] (NV-3)
See Cosponsors

Policy Area :

Immigration
Related Subjects
  • Administrative law and regulatory procedures
  • Administrative remedies
  • Border security and unlawful immigration
  • Congressional oversight
  • Government information and archives
  • Immigration status and procedures
  • Judicial review and appeals
  • Terrorism
  • Travel and tourism
  • User charges and fees
  • Visas and passports
Related Geographic Entities
  • Canada
Related Organizations
  • Department of Homeland Security
  • Department of State

Related Bills

See Related Bills