J-1 Visa 24-Month Bar: Repeat Participation for Scholars
Table of Contents
What Is the J-1 Visa 24-Month Bar?
After a program as a J-1 professor or research scholar, you cannot start another one in these categories for two years.
Key Takeaways
- Applies after a completed professor or research scholar program.
- Two years from the program end date in SEVIS.
- Different from the two-year home residency rule.
- Applies after
- Professor or research scholar program
- Length
- 2 years
- Counted from
- Program end date in SEVIS
- Not the same as
- Two-Year Rule
The Rule
Professors and research scholars who have completed their program are not eligible to take part again as a professor or research scholar for two years after the program end date recorded in SEVIS.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars
Not the Two-year Rule
Only new professor and research scholar programs are restricted by the 24-month bar. The Two-Year Rule under INA § 212(e) is a separate requirement about living in your home country before certain visas or a green card.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars · 8 U.S.C. § 1182(e): INA § 212(e)
FAQs
Is the 24-month bar the same as the two-year home residency requirement?
No. The 24-month bar only blocks new professor and research scholar programs. The two-year rule under INA § 212(e) is a separate requirement.
Source: 22 CFR § 62.20: Professors and research scholars · 8 U.S.C. § 1182(e): INA § 212(e)
The Bottom Line
After your professor or research scholar program ends, you cannot enter either category for two years, independent of the separate two-year home residency rule.
Related Terms
- 12-Month BarA rule that bars you from becoming a J-1 professor or research scholar if you were in the US on a J visa during the 12 months before your program start.more
- J-1 Research ScholarA J-1 category for researchers who come to a US university, research institute, museum or library to do research, for up to five years.more
- J-1 ProfessorA J-1 category for academics who come to teach or lecture at a US institution, for up to five years.more
- Two-Year RuleSome J-1 participants must spend two years in their home country before getting an H or L visa or a green card.more
- J-1 Short-Term ScholarA J-1 category for short academic visits to lecture, observe, consult or take part in conferences and workshops, for up to six months.more
- Grace PeriodThe 30 days after your J-1 program ends to prepare your departure from the US.more
