(a) International cultural exchange visitors—

(1) Requirements for classification under INA section 101(a)(15)(Q)(i). A consular officer may classify an alien under the provisions of INA 101(a)(15)(Q)(i) if:

(i) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien qualifies under the provisions of that section, and

(ii) The consular officer has received official evidence of the approval by DHS of a petition or the extension by DHS of the period of authorized stay in such classification.

(2) Approval of petition. DHS approval of a petition does not establish that the alien is eligible to receive a nonimmigrant visa.

(3) Validity of visa. The period of validity of a visa issued on the basis of this paragraph (a) must not exceed the period indicated in the petition, notification, or confirmation required in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(4) Alien not entitled to Q classification. The consular officer must suspend action on the alien's application and submit a report to the approving DHS office if the consular officer knows or has reason to believe that an alien does not qualify under INA section 101(a)(15)(Q)(i).

(b) [Reserved]

[65 FR 14770, Mar. 17, 2000, as amended at 66 FR 52502, Oct. 16, 2001; 85 FR 38321, June 26, 2020]