Which travel is easier - On J-1 or on J-1 waiver?

[care_candidate]

I am on physician J-1 and will be going on J-1 waiver next year. I would like to make a trip to my home country either now or when I become J-1 waiver.

 

As many J-1 candidates, I only have J-1 stamped before my first year residency started and since then I did not make any international trip. The J-1 stamp on my passport expired one  year after getting it; and with D/S (Duration of stay) on stamp I have been getting DS-2019 for each subsequent years.

 

My understand is - whenever I wish to make an international trip on J-1 visa, I will have to go through US consulate and get J-1 stamped. Please confirm if this is not right. So, does the same rule applies to J-1 waiver category too?

 

Is 'J-1 waiver' a visa type or it is still 'J-1' and nothing comes on passport?

 

Basically, I am trying to find out which way is easier to make international travel - On 'J-1' or 'J-1 waiver', and where can I get detailed information about it?

[pontevecchio]

You will need the J1 visa to return or the H1 visa or if applicable the O1 visa which are two possibilities after getting the J1 waiver. J1 WAIVER is not a known status. You will be in H1 or O status if you work after the waiver.