My J1 waiver reason exceptional hardship was denied, but my home country granted me a NOS, what is the effect?

Question

My J1 waiver reason exceptional hardship was denied, but my home country granted me a NOS, what is the effect?

Answer 1

If your waiver request was denied, then you still have your 2 year residency requirement in effect and you won't be able to get an H or L visa or become an immigrant until you have fulfilled the residency requirement back in your home country. The no objection statement is only part of the process, it isn't the same thing as a waiver itself.