As a Fulbright scholar, you’ve been given a unique opportunity to pursue your academic and professional goals in the United States. However, since the U.S. government funds the Fulbright program, you will be subject to the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement upon completion of your program. This requirement mandates that you return to your home country for a minimum of two years before being eligible to apply for a change of status to permanent residency or certain non-immigrant visas.
Fortunately, you may be eligible to apply for a J-1 visa waiver, which will allow you to stay in the U.S. without completing this requirement.
4 Types of J-1 Visa Waivers Available for Fulbright Scholars
There are four types of J-1 visa waivers available for Fulbright scholars. However, you may only apply for one waiver, so it’s essential to apply for the one that best suits your situation.
Hardship Waiver
If returning to your home country would result in exceptional hardship for you or your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or child, you may be eligible for a hardship waiver. This waiver requires you to demonstrate that your immediate family member would face significant hardship if you were required to return to your home country or if they accompanied you to your home country for two years. Exceptional hardship can be challenging to prove, as it requires substantial evidence of the hardship your family member would endure; separation alone isn’t enough.
Interested Government Agency (IGA) Waiver:
If you’re working on a project that’s important to a U.S. federal government agency and that agency believes your absence for two years will be detrimental to its interests, it may request an Interested Government Agency Waiver on your behalf. The head of the agency or their designated official must sign the request and submit it to the Waiver Review Division.
Persecution Waiver
If you believe that you will be subject to persecution if you return to your home country, you may be eligible for a persecution waiver. This waiver requires you to provide evidence that you would be subject to persecution based on your race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Conrad State 30 Program
If you’re a foreign medical graduate who obtained exchange visitor status to pursue graduate medical training or education, you may request a waiver based on the request of a designated State Public Health Department or its equivalent. This waiver category is known as the Conrad State 30 Program. To qualify, you must have an offer of full-time employment at a healthcare facility in a designated healthcare professional shortage area or at a healthcare facility that serves patients from such an area. You must also agree to begin employment within 90 days of receiving the waiver and sign a contract to continue working at the facility for a total of 40 hours per week and not less than three years.
Why Should You Consider Working with an Experienced Immigration Attorney?
Although the J-1 visa waiver is an excellent option for Fulbright scholars who’d like to stay in the U.S. after their program has ended, it’s essential to understand that the waiver process can be complicated and time-consuming. Furthermore, each type of waiver has its own set of requirements; some waivers may fit your situation better than others. In addition, the waiver application must be filled out completely and correctly; even minor mistakes can result in your application being delayed, rejected, or denied.
For this reason, it’s recommended to work with an experienced immigration attorney when applying for a J-1 visa waiver. An attorney who focuses on J-1 waivers can help you navigate the various options and requirements, help gather the proper documentation, and prepare a robust waiver application that presents your case in the best possible light.
An immigration attorney can also assist you with any potential issues or challenges that may arise during the waiver process, such as responding to Requests for Evidence or Notices of Intent to Deny. In addition, they can ensure your rights and interests are protected throughout the process and offer guidance on any legal issues you might encounter.
Working with an experienced immigration attorney can significantly increase the chances of your J-1 waiver being approved while also providing peace of mind through what can be a stressful and complicated process. The Ranchod Law Group has extensive experience assisting Fulbright scholars and has helped numerous clients go on to fulfill their immigration goals. If you’d like to know whether you qualify for a J-1 visa waiver or you’d like assistance with your application, contact the Ranchod Law Group today at (916) 613-3553 or email us at info@j1visawaiver.net.