After the Program: J-1 Terms Explained

Read about the grace period, the two-year rule and the 24-month bar.

• 
  24-Month BarAfter a program as a J-1 professor or research scholar, you cannot start another one in these categories for two years.
• 
  Change of StatusUSCIS approval to move from one nonimmigrant status to another while you remain in the United States.
• 
  Grace PeriodThe 30 days after your J-1 program ends to prepare your departure from the US.
• 
  No Objection StatementYour home government's statement that it has no objection to a waiver of the J-1 Visa two-year home-country physical presence requirement.
• 
  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.
• 
  USCISU.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that decides J-1 Visa stay extensions, status changes, waivers and J-2 work authorization.
• 
  WaiverA USCIS exemption from the J-1 Visa two-year home-country physical presence requirement under INA § 212(e).

Other Topics

Visa CategoriesIntern, trainee, scholar and J-2: who can come to the US and for how long.13 termsApplicationSponsor, documents, English, insurance, timing and the visa interview.11 termsForms & FeesDS-2019, DS-7002, SEVIS and what a J-1 program costs.6 termsDuring the ProgramWorking hours, evaluations, travel, extensions and transfers.19 termsHost CompaniesHosting interns and trainees: who qualifies, checks and site visits.4 terms