What is the Two Year Home Residency Requirement?

The intent of the requirement is to have the home country benefit from the Exchange Visitor's experience in the United States. Exchange Visitors come to this country for a specific objective such as a program of study or a research project. The requirement is intended to prevent a participant who is subject from staying longer than necessary for the objective, and to ensure that he or she will spend at least two years in the home country before coming back to the United States for a long-term stay. This requires you to return to your home country for two years at the end of your exchange visitor program.

It is important to understand the limitations of the J-1 status.

Please note that International Student and Scholar Services may not assist with J-1 Program Waivers as the US Department of State believes this to be a conflict of interest for J program sponsors. Read more here.

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Thinking About Going From J Status to H1-B Status?

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Two Year Home Residency Requirement

Advisory Opinion

Waiver Application