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Frequently Asked Questions - J-1 Visa

Form DS 2019 (1)

A form issued by school or sponsor for applicants to obtain a J Visa.

  1. J-1 extension beyond 5 years
  1. Two-year home residency requirement
  2. J-1 visa waiver concerns
  3. Canadian with J-2 visa
  4. J-1 extension beyond 5 years
  5. I was on J-1 visa
  6. File I-485 while J-1 waiver is pending
  7. J1 overstayed by years, married to a greencard holder
J-1 extension beyond 5 years

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.

Two-year home residency requirement

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.

J-1 visa waiver concerns

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

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

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.

I was on J-1 visa

I was on J-1 visa for 18 months of training in a dental lab as a dental technician .I got my waiver on my J-1 visa .I came back from USA to India and applied for the F-1 visa in a community college .But I was denied f-1 visa on bases of section 214(b) of immigration (possible immigrant).What can I do next to get back to USA?

If the consulate is not convinced of your nonimmigrant intent (214(b)), it is extremely difficult to remedy that. Usually, people in that situation should explore options like H-1, L-1, green card - all of which do not require a nonimmigrant intent (intention to remain in USA only for a brief period of time).

File I-485 while J-1 waiver is pending

I am currently in the US under the ">VWP which expires March 15. I was about to apply for a marriage-based GC but I just found out that I am subject to 2-years HRR. I applied for a waiver (no objection). A lawyer told me today that I should still file the I-485 and just leave the question "subject to" blank or check "yes" and add "waiver pending". Is that going to work? I don't want to overstay the VWP. How many days does it usually take to find out that I-485 submission got accepted and I can legally overstay the VWP?

To the best of my knowledge that information is incorrect. You can file AOS only after the waiver is approved.

J1 overstayed by years, married to a greencard holder

I came to US in 2004, overstayed my J1 visa by 3 years and got married to a greencard holder in 2007. My I-130 was approved in 2008 . Is it possible to adjust status when my visa number becomes available. I have read on different sites that I'm not eligible since I have not maintained lawful status during my stay. Are there any loops?

Unless your spouse becomes a US citizen, nothing can be done as far as I can see. If you had a 2 years HRR, you have bigger problems.

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