Hi everybody. I need help on a J-1 waiver. Does anyone know how easy to get it and how possible it is? thanks.

Question

I was an exchange student back in 2005. I was hosted in Little Rock, AR. I got engaged to an american. we're planning to get married. Since my exchange program was paid by the US government, I am required to stay in my home country for 2 years accumulative before I can get an immigrant visa. Im planning to go to the states for college. and eventually, get married with my fiancee. i need to get a J-1 waiver so i can waive my 2-year-physical-presence in my home country. How easy is it to get a waiver? what is the chance for me to get one? better yet, how can i get it easily? thanks a lot.

Answer 1

Hi Dannis...

I answered your question already on the immigration page.

It's not easy to get a J-1 visa waiver. However, it's very possible.

If the U.S. government funded your study, then the odds are low. Since it appears you're out of the country already, you might want to wait out the 2-years - no sense in doing something silly now. Nevertheless, I've seen it argued somewhere that if you are able to enter the U.S. on an F-1 later on, that they J-1 2-year home residency requirement won't apply. You'll probably need a lawyer to get round that...and it'll make a straightforward process become infinitely complicated.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

I'm sorry. The country is full to capacity. Request denied.