Following their exchange program, some J-1 visa holders, along with their J-2 spouses and children, are required to return to their home country before obtaining certain immigration benefits, as outlined in section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If you are subject to the requirement to return to your home country, you may pursue a waiver of the requirement by filing a Form DS-3035, J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application. Applicants pursuing waivers on the basis of exceptional hardship or persecution must also file a Form 612, Application for Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement (Under Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended), with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Review the Eligibility Information about J-1 exchange visitors who are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement and determine whether a waiver is available to you.
Select Instructions and Online DS-3035 to learn more and access the online form. Complete this form to request a waiver recommendation from the Department of State’s Waiver Review Division.
Select J Visa Waiver Online to change your address or contact information, and to check the status of your waiver.
