J1 residency requirement/waiver

[pghos2]

Hello all,

There is a 2 years residency requirement for a J1 Exchange visitors/J1 scholars. I was wondering if someone lives in a different country for two years other than the home country, will it fulfill the home country residency requirement? Also, during this 2 years time while living in a different country (i.e. other than home country), can someone apply for the J1 waiver? Or there is a requirement that you have to maintain the J1 status while applying for the waiver?

Many Thanks,

P. Ghosh

 

[Cleop76]

Hello P. Ghosh, to my knowledge - you can only satisfy the 2 year residency requirement in your home country (based on the need letter you had provided to be given the J1 visa). However, you should be able to live in another country while waiting for a J-1 waiver but just note that this time will not count to satisfying the 2 year term you need to be in your home country.