Readers ask: What Is A J1 Visa Waiver?

A J-1 visa waiver eliminates the two-year home residency requirement and allows a physician to stay in the U.S. to practice in a federally designated primary care or mental health Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) if recommended by an interested federal government agency.

How long does it take to get a J-1 waiver?

A: According the State Department’s website, a waiver based on a request from a State health agency may take 4 to 6 weeks once all necessary documents have been submitted.

How do I get a J-1 visa waiver?

In general, you’ll need to go to the J Visa Waiver website, fill out an online J-1 visa waiver recommendation application (also known as Form DS-3035), and mail the completed application and additional documents to the U.S. Department of State’s Waiver Review Division.

Is it hard to get a J-1 waiver?

If you received funding from your home government or an international organization, or are subject based on the skills list, you may request a waiver for the J-1 home residency requirement. However, it is extremely difficult to get a waiver if you received U.S. government funding.

Who needs J-1 waiver?

It requires you to return home for at least two years after your exchange visitor program. This requirement is part of U.S. law, in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(e). If you cannot return home for two years, you must apply for a waiver.

What happens after J1 waiver?

Once the J-1 waiver has been approved, the physician has two options: File for the PERM Labor Certification by a U.S. employer, or. File for a National Interest Waiver (NIW) for an EB-2 green card.

Can I withdraw my J1 waiver application?

A successful withdrawal can be checked online. Applicants can apply for another waiver application in the future if the waiver has been applied and then withdrawn. However if WRD has recommended the waiver and forwarded its recommendation to USCIS then the applicant should contact USCIS regarding the withdrawal.

How does J1 waiver work?

A J-1 visa waiver eliminates the two-year home residency requirement and allows a physician to stay in the U.S. to practice in a federally designated primary care or mental health Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) if recommended by an interested federal government agency.

How hard is it to get a J 1 visa?

J1 visas are also quite easy to get approved. The length of stay depends on the type of activity. Those pursuing academic study may get a visa for up to three years, while camp counselors will typically only get a 3-month stay. Extensions are also variable, depending on the category of visa.

How can I stay in US after J1 visa expires?

If your J1 visa has expired, you will be required to return to your home country for at least two years before being allowed to apply for any additional visas. This is not always possible and can sometimes simply be impractical. If this is the case, you can apply for a J1 visa waiver which will waive this requirement.

Can you travel during J-1 waiver?

You will not be allowed to extend your current J-1 status beyond the end date on your DS-2019. Without it, you will be unable to continue traveling and returning to the U.S. as a J-1. You would have to wait until you receive both the waiver and your new status approval before traveling again.

How can I get J1 waiver from India?

You need to upload the following documents:

1. Affidavit (notarized and attested by embassy)
2. Bio-data (notarized and attested by embassy)
3. Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree.
4. J-1 visa with a simple clarification letter explaining why you are seeking a waiver (merged into the same pdf)
5. Passport First and Last Page.