Guestbook Entry for Raghava, United States
Name
Raghava
Country
United States
State
MD
J-1 Visa
Guestbook Entry for Zeeshan, Italy
Name
Zeeshan
Country
Italy
State
Piemonte
Comment
First of all thanks to Mr. Rajiv Khanna for finding time for me and many others for free consulatation. I am from India and I went to USA in the year 2006 and 2009 on J1 visa. Currently I am in Italy and I have to start the J1 waiver process. As there is not enough information avialable for people like me who are neither in USA nor in India at the time of applying for J1 waiver. So I consulted Mr. Khanna and he told me that the Indian consulate in Italy should be contacted first and they should attest the documents. He is right because you can not send your original passport to anywhere else other than government offices in the country you are living in. Once I ge the attestation done, I will send the documents to India to obtain clearance from the three departments. I told Mr. Khanna that this is like a social service what he is doing because my experience with the other lawyers of Indian origin is not so pleasant. Bye
Two-year home residency requirement
Question details
Can I obtain an F-1 if I have a two-year home residency requirement on my earlier J-?
Yes. F visa is NOT forbidden. But you will not be able to get an H-1, L-1 or green card unless you address the HRR through compliance or waiver.
USCIS publishes Executive Summary Of J-1 Exchange Visitor Waiver Teleconference
USCIS executive summary from the 11/2/11 teleconference regarding the adjudication of J-1 Exchange Visitor waivers of the two-year foreign residence requirement.
WRD (Waiver Review Division) and Waiver Application Issues
Certain exchange visitors (J-1) are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement which requires you to return to your home country for at least two years at the end of your exchange visitor program. This is also known as the foreign residence requirement under U.S. law, Immigration and Nationality Act, section 212(e).
J-1 visa waiver concerns
Question details
I had come to US in September 2008 for 30 days externship (as short term visiting scholar) on J1 visa. After that I went back to India in October and came again in January 2009 on F1 visa to do PhD in animal science program. My concern is do I need to apply for J1 waiver before joining a job or a post doc here in USA? If yes, how should I go about it?
The 212(e) can attach to even a short program. Step one, ask DOS for an advisory opinion whether you are subject to the Home Residency Requirement. The detailes are here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1288.html
Canadian with J-2 visa
Question details
I am a Canadian with J2 visa. I am an engineer and want to work in US to keep up with my career. I am going to apply for EAD. If I don't get, can I switch from J2 to TN. Can my kids still stay on J2?
You can switch back to TN from J-2. What you do has no effect on the children. They derive their status directly from your J-1 spouse.
J-1 extension beyond 5 years
Question details
My J-1 at Cornell Psychology Department expired on Aug 31 2011 after 5 years. Currently I'm spending my grace period. I'm exempt from the 2 years rule. I was wondering if it could be further extended. If not, would it be possible for my department to issue a new DS-2019 (J1) instead? I have only been working here for about a year and have been at a different university before.
Extension is possible only if the program rules permit it. The worst case scenario in extension or new 2019 as I see it can be only that you have to go get a new via stamp.
DOS Publishes QAs On New Regulations For J-1 Visa Summer Work Travel
New Regulations for J-1 Visa - Summer Work Travel
Taken Question Office of the Spokesperson Washington, DC
Q: Please provide details on the specific aspects of the new regulations for J-1 visas. What is the intention of these new regulations? Are we confident that these new regulations will protect recipients from abuse?
A: The Summer Work Travel (SWT) program has provided thousands of international college and university students an opportunity to visit the United States and experience the American people and culture firsthand.
DOS Announces New Website For J-1 Visa Program
Media Note
Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC
May 25, 2011
Also available in Russian
On June 1 the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) will launch a new J-1 Visa Exchange Visitor Program website.
I have worked with Ms. Diane Lombardo and Mr. Khanna from past several years for my O-1 visa, J1 Waiver and GC. Diane and Mr. Khanna are always very accommodating and helpful. They have guided me through the entire process diligently and professionally. I have very truly recommend them to my friends without any second thoughts.