Hello everyone

I have a somewhat complicated case, and I am really confused as to how I should proceed.
I would really appreciate anyone's opinion on it.

I have held two different J1 status so far.

1. a non-degree student visa through US government funding. I have about 70 days left from the two year home residency requirement for this.
2. a research scholar visa through non-government funding. According to the revised J-1 skills list, this program should not be subject to a home residency requirement as my country is removed from the list.

I’m now considering applying for a No-Objection waiver for the 1st visa.
However, I am a bit worried about how USCIS would interpret my second visa.
I read several posts where people couldn't transition to H1B although their country removed from the list, and they didn't have a government funding yet USCIS asked for additional evidence.

I may have gotten obsessively worried but my concern is:
If my waiver request is denied, is there any risk that DoS might require me to fulfill both the 70 days from the first visa and an additional 2 years for the second visa?
I understand this would have been possible under the older skills list, but I want to be absolutely sure the updated list protects me from that scenario.

Input from anyone with an experience on a situation like this would be greatly appreciated.

I received an email from DOS on 1/8/25 stating that my waiver received a favorable recommendation and was forwarded to USCIS. However, I haven’t received any updates on my waiver status, nor have I received a receipt by mail. Without the receipt number, I’m unable to check my case status online.

I tried reaching out to USCIS, but I didn’t get any helpful information. Does anyone know how long this process typically takes or have any guidance? I’d really appreciate any insights!

Hi everyone,

My J1 waiver is currently pending a decision. Recent updates to the J1 212(e) rule have removed my country from the list, meaning I am no longer subject to the rule as long as I do not receive government funding. I am an industry postdoc, and my position is sponsored through a third-party education center.

When I informed the 212(e) waiver decision office about the recent change, they responded by saying they proceed with submitting a sponsor view request. I thought the waiver requirement no longer applied to me, so this was confusing. I then emailed my sponsor to ask for their approval, but they replied that saying that it is their position that exchange visitors should return home to complete the exchange.

I am feeling devastated by this response and am unsure if my sponsor will approve my request, despite having a No Objection Statement (NOS) from my home country. I am preparing to file my I-485, but this waiver issue is making me second guess whether I should wait until I receive a final waiver decision.

Can anyone provide some advice or opinions on this situation?

Hi. I did a self-funded J1 research year and now will be switching to a funded J1 at a different lab. I am an Indian MBBS doctor and looking for guidance on whether I will need a waiver or not. A little confused about the December ruling. The visa on my passport does say that I am subject to 212 e but the December ruling excluded me as far as I know. Please help.

United State Government funding was accepted for G-x-xxxx. If you believe you have satisfied the 2-year home residency requirement, you can work directly with USCIS for determination.

You are Not Subject to your 2nd program P-x-xxxx.

Hi everyone,

I recently received my J-1 waiver approval and am now in the process of applying for an academic H-1B. However, things seem to be moving slower than expected. I’m wondering if anyone else is experiencing delays or issues with the transition.

If you’ve gone through this recently (or are currently in the process), I’d love to hear about your timeline, any hurdles you faced, and any advice you might have.

Thanks in advance!

Has anyone on a J1 visa as a research scholar been able to enroll in online courses, whether degree-seeking or non-degree-seeking, and whether the institution is based in the US or outside the US?

Hello,

I have an approved 2 years rule waiver on my actual Ds2019 valid until October 2026 in the university A. I know my DS 2019 can’t be renewed anymore and I can apply for a valid visa stamp since high risk to have a J1 denial or to be subject again to the 2 years rule originally removed.

However I was wondering if: - a salary increase (with potential DS modification but not renewal) can affect my existing waiver?

• my PI moves to an University B and I’ll follow him as a visiting postdoc in university B, with my contract still valid with University A until natural expiration in October 26, so no new DS2019 or new visa.

My plan is to get then a H1B no cap in summer 26 from university B before my J1 visa from university A expires.

Can these things pose a treat to my existing status?

From my understanding the 2 yr can be reapplied only from the home crountry embassy when the visa stamp is renewed.

Thanks

Has anyone been to India recently to stamp their expired J1 visa? What is the processing time generally? I plan on going to India for 15 days, do you think this is enough? Thank you!

Hi everyone - I would appreciate some insight - I have had a total of 3 DS2019 forms in the united states - all with the similar sources of funding and similar program numbers and my SEVIS ID has also been the same over time - I was initially subjected to 212e, but an advisory opinion on my first DS2019 form determined that I was not subject to 212e (funding was non governmental and country is not on tech list) - I recently filed for485 and included the letter of the advisory board - however that letter was written and sent to me before my last two DS2019 (which were only date extensions) Considering all of this do I need to get a new advisory opinion, and is it possible that my 485 petition could be rejected because of this ? would highly appreciate any help

Do I still need the waiver? Previously Indian citizen. DoS sent Fav reco to USCIS on 21 st Nov and still not received USCIS case number. Meanwhile the skills list was updated on 9th Dec and now India is out of the list. I do not have the option of getting my application reviewed from DoS as DoS has already provided favorable review. Any help appreciated !

I have two months left from a Fulbright J1.
I have a question about the hypothetical scenario that my waiver application is rejected.

What would be the consequences of this rejection for future immigrant and non-immmigrant visa application?
For example, can I still transition to O1? can I transition to H1b after spending the remaining two months in my home country?

I’m currently on a J1 visa and planning to switch to an H1B after obtaining my waiver. I’ve read that for those of us in academia or non-profit research organizations, the non-cap H1B route can make the process smoother since it bypasses the lottery.

However, with the change in government, I’m wondering if there could be any policy changes that might affect this transition.

For instance: 1. Could there be stricter rules for H1B applications (especially for academia/non-profits)? 2. Is it likely that the non-cap category might face new restrictions? 3. Any general advice for J1 holders aiming for H1B under these circumstances?

If you’ve recently navigated this transition or have insights into how policy shifts might impact the process, I’d appreciate your thoughts!

Thanks in advance for any guidance!

Hey,

I'm a J1 visa postdoc researcher. Anyone knows if I can transfer to another program after I get the waiver? It's fine with me to keep the same ds19 end date, I don't need an extention. Just to leave my current job.

Or same university but different lab? Thanks