Approval of Waiver of Two Year Foreign Residency Requirement for J-1 Visa Holder
- Filed: March 2, 2015
- Approved: April 28, 2015
Client retained our services to file a hardship waiver on his behalf. Client had entered the U.S. from a Latin American country on a J-1 visa subject to the two year home residency requirement and while in the U.S. he met and married a U.S. Citizen. The couple is currently expecting their first child. The couple’s child is due two weeks after he would have had to depart from the U.S. We argued on client’s behalf various aspects of hardship including emotional hardship to his wife (pregnant and possibly being left alone in the U.S.), also wife was financially dependent on the client (wife worked but client was main breadwinner) and her health insurance was through client’s employer, finally client’s wife could not accompany the client to his home country, among other reasons, because she didn’t speak the language and wouldn’t be able to continue her career abroad. We really detailed every aspect of the client’s case to make the strongest possible case for our client. Client was absolutely delighted when his case was approved in less than two months! Now Client and his wife can look forward to the birth of their first child without having to worry about client’s immigration status.
Read the success story – Click here now to read about this J-1 waiver approval
J-1 exceptional hardship waiver approved for a special education teacher from the Philippines.
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 12/16/2021
Date DOS processed the case as received: 03/07/2022
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 09/27/2022
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 12/27/2023
USCIS approval: 01/17/2024
Our legal team at Ranchod Law undertook a challenging case that underscored the importance of family unity and safety. Our client, a J-1 visa holder, faced a precarious situation as she navigated pregnancy and medical issues while grappling with the prospect of returning to her home country.
The situation was further compounded by the fact that her spouse had no ties or familiarity with the Philippines, rendering a return to her home country an unsafe proposition for both of them. The inseparable bond between the couple meant that her spouse was unwilling to let her face the challenges alone, further emphasizing the imperative for her to remain with her family in the United States.
While the case presented significant challenges, our seasoned attorneys leveraged their expertise to meticulously gather evidence and articulate the importance of the J-1’s presence in the United States. Her invaluable contributions as a researcher and clinician added immense value to the U.S.
It is an honor to have made a difference in our clients’ lives, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving and protecting immigrant families in need.
J Waiver Approved For Client From Egypt With U.S. Government Funding
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 04/11/2022
Date DOS processed the case as received: 04/25/2022
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 02/21/2023
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 01/18/2024
USCIS approval: 02/06/2024
At Ranchod Law Group, our immigration attorneys recently tackled a complex case involving a J-1 Exceptional Hardship Waiver under section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Central to our strategy was demonstrating the exceptional hardship that would be imposed on the J-1’s American children if they were forced to leave the United States. We crafted a compelling argument, emphasizing the profound impact on the children’s well-being.
Moreover, we highlighted that in Egypt, the J-1’s American child suffered from lead poisoning due to the country’s conditions, exacerbating his health. For this family, remaining together in the United States was not just a preference, but a necessity.
The stakes were high, as failure to secure the waiver would have meant uprooting the entire family, including the spouse and children who were J-2 dependents to Egypt. This looming prospect underscored the urgency of our efforts.
Our legal team spared no effort in advocating for our client’s rights and preserving family unity. We successfully secured the waiver through meticulous preparation and persuasive argumentation, ensuring the family’s future in the United States.
J-1 exceptional hardship waiver approved for a special education teacher from the Philippines.
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 12/02/2021
Date DOS processed the case as received: 02/13/2022
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 06/22/2022
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 01/04/2024
USCIS approval: 01/09/2024
At our firm, we recently had the privilege of representing a J-1 teacher facing a daunting situation. The stakes were high: separating from his American spouse due to relocation to the Philippines or relocation as a couple to the Philippines. Our task was clear—to secure a waiver based on exceptional hardship to his American spouse, ensuring the couple could stay together in the U.S.
The core of our strategy lay in meticulously demonstrating the profound hardship the J-1’s American spouse would endure if separated and also if the couple tried to relocate together to the Philippines. With no ties to the Philippines, the spouse’s relocation was not feasible. Compounded by numerous serious medical and psychiatric conditions, the spouse’s well-being hinged on remaining in familiar surroundings with spousal support.
We take immense pride in our role in this success story, knowing that our work has made a life-changing difference in the lives of this couple. At our firm, we are committed to upholding the principles of justice, compassion, and family unity, and we stand ready to assist others facing similar challenges.
J Waiver Approved For Doctor From Egypt
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 12/08/2021
Date DOS processed the case as received: 03/18/2022
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 07/12/2022
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 01/03/2024
USCIS approval: 01/12/2024
At Ranchod Law Group, our immigration attorneys recently tackled a challenging case involving a waiver of the two-year residency requirement under INA section 212(e) for a J-1 Doctor.
We argued that the hardship imposed on J-1’s three American children meets the high “exceptional hardship” standard required to waive the residency requirement. The prospect of separation from their father was deemed impossible per case law. Additionally, the poor conditions in their home country would exacerbate their hardship if they were forced to relocate.
We also emphasized that the J-1’s presence in the U.S. is of great benefit to the country. As a renowned scholar with over four hundred citations for his published work in top-tier publications, his contributions to academia and research are significant. Moreover, remaining in the U.S. is crucial for the well-being and future opportunities of his three American children.
Through meticulous preparation and persuasive argumentation, we successfully secured the waiver for the J-1, ensuring that his family can remain together in the United States.
J Waiver Approved For Client From Trinidad and Tobago With US. Government Funding.
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 04/04/2022
Date DOS processed the case as received: 04/20/2022
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 11/08/2022
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 01/02/2024
USCIS approval: 01/12/2024
At Ranchod Law Group, our immigration attorneys recently navigated a complex case involving a J-1 Exceptional Hardship Waiver under section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The crux of our argument centered on the exceptional hardship that would be inflicted upon the J-1’s American children if she were compelled to leave the United States. Recognizing the profound impact on the children’s well-being, our legal team crafted a compelling case to secure the J-1 Visa Waiver.
Crucially, if the waiver had not been approved, the entire family would have been uprooted and relocated to Trinidad and Tobago, as the client’s spouse was a J-2 dependent. This prospect loomed large over the family, underscoring the urgency of our efforts to secure the waiver.
Our attorneys left no stone unturned in advocating for our client’s rights and preserving family unity. Through meticulous preparation and persuasive argumentation, we successfully secured the waiver, securing the family’s future in the U.S.
J Waiver Approved For Doctor From Egypt.
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 04/20/2020
Date DOS processed the case as received: 06/02/2020
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 12/01/2022
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 01/04/2024
USCIS approval: 01/17/2024
At Ranchod Law Group, our immigration attorneys recently took on a challenging case involving a waiver of the two-year residency requirement under INA section 212(e) for a J-1 Doctor, whose American child would face exceptional hardship if forced to relocate.
We argued that the hardship imposed on the American child meets the rigorous “exceptional hardship” standard required to waive the residency requirement. The relocation scenario would result in exceptional hardship, and separation from his father would not be possible as the American child’s mother is a J-2 visa holder, was also subject to the two-year home residency requirement.
To support our case, we included records indicating that American Child was receiving occupational therapy, which would be unavailable in Egypt. We also emphasized that J-1 and his family are Christians, and the American Child attends a Catholic school, which would add to danger and ostracization in Egypt.
Furthermore, J-1 would face financial hardship in Egypt, as his monthly salary would be insufficient to cover basic living expenses.
Finally, we highlighted the value of allowing J-1 to work in the U.S., as his research has been published in top-tier journals with practical implications for investors, regulators, and public practice.
Through thorough preparation and persuasive argumentation, we successfully secured the waiver for J-1, ensuring that his family can remain together in the United States.
J-1 exceptional hardship waiver approved for a special education teacher from the Philippines.
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 04/04/2022
Date DOS processed the case as received: 04/20/2022
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 11/08/2022
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 01/02/2024
USCIS approval: 01/12/2024
At our firm, we recently had the privilege of representing a J-1 teacher facing a daunting situation. The stakes were high: separating from his American spouse due to relocation to the Philippines or relocation as a couple to the Philippines. Our task was clear—to secure a waiver based on exceptional hardship to his American spouse, ensuring the couple could stay together in the U.S.
The core of our strategy lay in meticulously demonstrating the profound hardship the J-1’s American spouse would endure if separated and also if the couple tried to relocate together to the Philippines. With no ties to the Philippines, the spouse’s relocation was not feasible. Compounded by numerous serious medical and psychiatric conditions, the spouse’s well-being hinged on remaining in familiar surroundings with spousal support.
We take immense pride in our role in this success story, knowing that our work has made a life-changing difference in the lives of this couple. At our firm, we are committed to upholding the principles of justice, compassion, and family unity, and we stand ready to assist others facing similar challenges.
J Waiver Approved For Client From Trinidad and Tobago With US. Government Funding
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 04/04/2022
Date DOS processed the case as received: 04/20/2022
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 11/08/2022
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 01/02/2024
USCIS approval: 01/12/2024
At Ranchod Law Group, our immigration attorneys recently navigated a complex case involving a J-1 Exceptional Hardship Waiver under section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
The crux of our argument centered on the exceptional hardship that would be inflicted upon the J-1’s American children if she were compelled to leave the United States. Recognizing the profound impact on the children’s well-being, our legal team crafted a compelling case to secure the J-1 Visa Waiver.
Crucially, if the waiver had not been approved, the entire family would have been uprooted and relocated to Trinidad and Tobago, as the client’s spouse was a J-2 dependent. This prospect loomed large over the family, underscoring the urgency of our efforts to secure the waiver.
Our attorneys left no stone unturned in advocating for our client’s rights and preserving family unity. Through meticulous preparation and persuasive argumentation, we successfully secured the waiver, securing the family’s future in the U.S.
J-1 exceptional hardship waiver approved for a doctor from Egypt
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 03/07/2022
Date DOS processed the case as received: 04/11/2022
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 09/29/2022
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 12/27/2023
USCIS approval: 01/12/2024
At Ranchod Law Group, our immigration attorneys recently navigated a complex case involving a waiver of the two-year residency requirement under INA section 212(e.) The case hinged on demonstrating exceptional hardship to a U.S. Citizen child.
Our argument centered on the profound hardship that would be imposed on the American child if the waiver was denied, necessitating the family’s relocation to Egypt. In Egypt, the child would face exceptional medical hardship due to the lack of suitable medical care for her condition. We supported this argument with a letter from the child’s physician and relevant medical records.
Moreover, we highlighted the exceptional hardship stemming from the country conditions in Egypt, including educational challenges. The American child, who is not fluent in Arabic, would confront significant culture shock and language barriers if compelled to move. The U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory, citing safety concerns, further underscored the risks associated with relocating to Egypt.
Additionally, we underscored the exceptional financial hardship the family would face in Egypt, as they would struggle to provide for the child’s necessities. Supporting documentation included information on the cost of living in Egypt and articles detailing the country’s current economic and employment conditions.
Through meticulous preparation and compelling argumentation, we successfully secured the waiver for the J-1, ensuring that the American child can continue to reside in the United States with her parents.
J-1 exceptional hardship waiver approved for a teacher from Philippines
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 04/30/2022
Date DOS processed the case as received: 05/12/2022
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 05/17/2023
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 02/01/2024
USCIS approval: 02/15/2024
In a recent case at our law firm, we successfully secured a waiver of the two-year residency requirement under INA section 212(e) for our client, a special education teacher on a J-1 visa.
Our argument centered on the exceptional hardships the teacher’s American spouse would have endured if the waiver had been denied. A key factor was the teacher’s spouse’s inability to continue his career in the Philippines due to language barriers and non-transferable credentials. His emotional well-being was also a concern, as he relied heavily on the support of his wife, the teacher.
Additionally, we highlighted safety concerns in the Philippines, including the elevated risk of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. We emphasized the exceptional hardships inherent in the country’s conditions, such as the neglect of special education, high unemployment, and increasing poverty rates.
Through meticulous preparation and persuasive argumentation, we demonstrated to U.S. authorities that the teacher met the stringent criteria for a waiver of the residency requirement. As a result, they were able to remain in the United States, ensuring their continued well-being and stability.
J-1 exceptional hardship waiver approved for a Doctor from Egypt
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 12/16/2021
Date DOS processed the case as received: 03/18/2022
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 04/19/2023
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 01/25/2024
USCIS approval: 02/01/2024
At Ranchod Law Group, our immigration attorneys recently handled a challenging case involving a waiver of the two-year residency requirement under INA section 212(e) for an Egyptian J-1 doctor with U.S. citizen children. The hardship imposed on the children met the “exceptional hardship” standard required for the waiver.
We argued that the scenario of relocation would result in exceptional hardship. This was supported by a history of exceptional medical hardship during a prior stay in Egypt, where specialized care was unavailable. Additionally, there was exceptional hardship inherent in the country conditions in Egypt.
Furthermore, we emphasized the value of allowing the J-1 to remain in the U.S., as the J-1 is a brilliant researcher sought after for his widely cited work, which was in the public interest.
Through thorough preparation and persuasive argumentation, we successfully secured the waiver for the J-1, ensuring that the children could remain in the United States with their parents.
J-1 exceptional hardship waiver approved for an International Business Professional from Nigeria
Filed with USCIS and DOS: 04/14/2022
Date DOS processed the case as received: 04/27/2023
Date DOS processed the I-613 from USCIS: 05/15/2023
Date DOS issued favorable recommendation: 02/01/2024
USCIS approval: 02/15/2024
At Ranchod Law Group, our immigration attorneys recently achieved a significant win for a J-1 client, in his waiver application for the two-year home residency requirement under section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. J-1’s case was particularly compelling, as his departure from the United States would have caused exceptional hardship to his United States citizen spouse and their American-born child.
The crux of our argument focused on the exceptional hardship that J-1’s spouse and child would face if he were compelled to leave the United States. J-1’s spouse, a full-time worker, relied heavily on J-1’s daily care for their child. His absence would have left her without the support she needed to manage her daily responsibilities, especially as she had to juggle work commitments and caring for their child.
Moreover, J-1’s spouse had deep-rooted ties to the United States, having served in the Army and then found critical support in J-1 during challenging times. She had no connections to J-1’s home country and faced significant challenges if forced to relocate there, including losing access to essential benefits like WIC and medical care for herself and their child. Additionally, her ability to lead a successful career and provide for her family would have been severely limited in J-1’s home country, where she lacked connections and faced difficult conditions.
Through meticulous preparation and persuasive argumentation, we successfully demonstrated to the adjudicator the compelling reasons why J-1’s presence in the United States was crucial for the well-being and stability of his family. The waiver was approved, ensuring that J-1’s spouse and child could continue their lives in the U.S. without the threat of separation. This success not only secured the family’s future but also highlighted the importance of considering the individual circumstances and hardships faced by each applicant in immigration cases.
J-1 exceptional hardship waiver approved for doctor
Filed with USCIS: 12/10/2021
Filed with DOS: 12/13/2021 (DOS didn’t process the case as received until March 30, 2022)
USCIS transferred to DOS: 06/01/2022
DOS processed USCIS’s recommendation: 06/22/2022
Favorable recommendation by DOS: 10/12/2023
USCIS approval: 10/13/2023
J-1 is a doctor. The waiver was based on exceptional hardship to his spouse. To win these cases, we have to show the J-1’s spouse would suffer exceptional hardship if the J-1’s spouse relocated with the J-1 to the home country and also if the spouse remained in the U.S. without the J-1. For exceptional hardship in the scenario of relocation as a couple, we focused on country conditions. For exceptional hardship in the scenario of separation, we focused on the couple’s need for dual income in the U.S., spouse’s health insurance was provided by the J-1’s job, and spouse’s anxiety concerning the J-1’s two year requirement, among other arguments. In total, the case took two months shy of two years to get approved. In this case, J-1’s status was expiring so our office guided clients in prematurely filing for the J-1’s marriage based greencard. This is a tricky process which requires experienced legal advice. In this case, the J-1 maintained lawful status in the U.S. and got the J-1 waiver approval he needed before his greencard was adjudicated. We are so happy this couple trusted us during this stressful process. It was an honor to help them.
J-1 exceptional hardship waiver approved for doctor from Egypt
Filed: 10/12/2021
DOS processed USCIS’s recommendation: March 11, 2022
Favorable recommendation by DOS: 07/06/2023
USCIS approval: 07/31/2023
J-1 is a doctor. The waiver was based on exceptional hardship to the J-1’s American child. When a waiver is based on exceptional hardship to a spouse, we have to show the spouse would suffer exceptional hardship if the spouse relocated with the J-1 to the home country and also if the spouse remained in the U.S. without the J-1. When a case, like this one, is based on exceptional hardship to a child and the child’s other parent is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, we only have to show exceptional hardship if the child went with the J-1 to the J-1’s home country (since the child obviously cannot stay in the U.S. without the J-1.) Our office is very experienced and skilled in making arguments that focus on the country conditions to prove that an American child would suffer exceptional hardship in the J-1’s home country. In total, the case took 2½ months shy of two years to get approved.
J-1 waiver approved for academic
Filed: 7/27/2022
Country’s no objection statement processed by DOS: 02/27/2023
DOS processed USCIS’s recommendation: 7/24/2023
Request to expedite filed with DOS: 08/01/2023
DOS favorable recommendation: 09/22/2023
USCIS approval: 10/04/2023
J-1 is an academic who was subject to the two year requirement because of the skills list. To win these cases, we have to show J-1’s spouse would suffer exceptional hardship if the spouse relocated with the J-1 to the home country and also if the spouse remained in the U.S. without the J-1. While the exceptional hardship waiver was pending, J-1’s home country began issuing no objection statements. So, J-1 had both processes going at the same time. We filed a request to expedite with DOS requesting that waiver be approved. While the request to expedite was officially denied, in fact, DOS approved the following month. We have been seeing this recently where DOS responds denying the request to expedite, but we end up seeing an approval sooner than what would be expected. In total, the case took a little less than 1 year and 3 months. In this case, J-1’s status was expiring so our office guided the couple in prematurely filing for the J-1’s marriage based greencard. This is a tricky process which requires experienced legal advice. In this case, the J-1 maintained lawful status in the U.S. and got the J-1 waiver approval she needed before her greencard could be adjudicated. We are so happy this couple trusted us during this stressful process. It was an honor to help them.
J-1 PERSECUTION WAIVER APPROVED FOR J-1 FROM A MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRY
Filed: March 14, 2022
I-613 sent to DOS by USCIS: December 21, 2022
I-613 received by DOS: January 11, 2023
DOS favorable recommendation: January 31, 2023
We argued the applicant would be subject to persecution on account of both his political opinion and religious beliefs/practices. Applicant’s wife was assaulted by a paramilitary group in the couple’s home country. Applicant and his wife have progressive values including equality and acceptance for all and the belief in freedom of speech and expression. The couple has aligned themselves with the U.S., living here for many years and raising their English-speaking fully American child. Applicant openly criticizes some Islamic beliefs and we argued his open deviation from Islam would also result in persecution. We could have filed this case based on exceptional hardship or persecution but the processing times for persecution are much more favorable so we were able to secure an approval for the applicant in a more expeditious manner.
APPROVAL FOR J-1 EXCEPTIONAL HARDSHIP WAIVER
FOR LATIN AMERICAN ACADEMIC WITH GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Case filed with USCIS and DOS with request for expedited processing: July 11, 2021
USCIS sent the I-613 to DOS: September 29, 2021
I-613 dated as received by DOS from USCIS: October 19, 2021
DOS issued their favorable recommendation: August 31, 2022
Pending approval notice from USCIS
This case was for an individual from a Latin American country with government financing from his home country’s government. The qualifying relative was the applicant’s U.S. citizen child.
The child is under the care of multiple medical specialists. Among other arguments, we argued exceptional medical/developmental hardship and country conditions. We filed the case with a request to expedite and USCIS granted the request to expedite, transferring the case to DOS in just over two months. Unfortunately, despite filing a request to expedite with DOS, the case stalled at DOS for just over 10 months. Posted processing times for DOS are up to 52 weeks.
J-1 EXCEPTIONAL HARDSHIP WAIVER APPROVED FOR PHYSICIAN FROM INDIA
Filed: May 26, 2021
Form I-613 received by DOS from USCIS: October 17, 2021
Favorable recommendation issued by DOS: March 08, 2023
USCIS approval: March 23, 2023
We applied for an exceptional hardship waiver on the basis of exceptional hardship to the physician’s young American born child. We argued the child’s developmental needs could not be met in India. There was extensive discussion of the country conditions in India. We also discussed the physician’s future in India including the dismal licensure pass rate and working conditions, relevant to his ability to provide for his family in India. If this waiver were to be denied the child could not remain in the U.S. because the child’s mother, the applicant physician’s spouse, is a J-2 dependant on the physician’s visa.
J-1 EXCEPTIONAL HARDSHIP WAIVER
FOR INDIAN CLIENT
Filed: July 2020
I-613 transferred from USCIS to DOS: January 11, 2021
DOS Favorable recommendation: May 19, 2022
Applicant came to the U.S. on a one and half year J-1 program. Client remained in the U.S. after expiration of his J-1. Client has been in the U.S. illegally for well over a decade. Client married a naturalized U.S. citizen and the couple have a U.S. born child. Applicant is the primary caregiver for his child while the spouse works. We argued there would be exceptional hardship to the American spouse if this waiver is denied because daycare is extremely expensive and beyond the family’s ability to pay. Also, the American spouse has chronic back/neck/shoulder pain, is under the treatment of a chiropractor, and the chiropractor provided a letter explaining the necessity for Applicant’s continued support of American spouse. We also always argue country conditions for the scenario of relocation.
J-1 EXCEPTIONAL HARDSHIP WAIVER APPROVED FOR PHYSICIAN FROM GERMANY
Filed: September 22, 2021
Form I-613 received by DOS from USCIS: January 27, 2022
Favorable recommendation issued by DOS: March 09, 2023
USCIS approval: March 23, 2023
We applied for an exceptional hardship waiver on the basis of exceptional hardship to the physician’s American spouse and American stepchild. To win these cases we need to prove exceptional hardship if the physician went to their home country by themselves (with American relatives remaining in the U.S.) and also if the family relocated to the home country together. In this case, we argued that if the physician went to Germany by herself, there would be exceptional hardship because the applicant physician is the main caregiver to her American stepchild. Also, the spouse’s employment also does not offer family or sick leave or even health insurance. The family’s health insurance is provided by physician’s employment. We were also successful concerning our arguments in the scenario of relocation including the stepchild’s inability to adjust to life in Germany and exceptional financial hardship due to ongoing financial costs in the United States including spouse’s student loans. Now the physician can move forward with her marriage based greencard.
EGYPTIAN J-1 WAIVER APPROVED WITH U.S. GOVERNMENT FINANCING
Filed: February 24, 2020
RFE issued by USCIS: April 10, 2020
RFE response filed: June 10, 2020
I-613 sent by USCIS to DOS: October 7, 2020
DOS received I-613 from USCIS: October 19, 2020
Request for Sponsor Views by USCIS: February 22, 2022
Sponsor Views received by DOS: April 25, 2022
Favorable Recommendation by DOS: June 9, 2022
Approved by USCIS: June 27, 2022
Summary:
The qualifying relative was a U.S. citizen child. We argued many aspects of hardship rooted in the country conditions.
APPROVAL OF J WAIVER BASED ON HARDSHIP
Filed: July 7, 2014
Approved: September 17, 2014
Our client’s spouse is a veteran of the U.S. Army with a minor disability. She would be unable to follow our client to his home country for two years because she receives all of her medical care for free through the Veteran Affairs Hospital. Also our client’s stepson could not be removed from the U.S. because his biological father would not allow it and client’s stepson needs our client to remain in the U.S. because the stepson was covered by the health insurance provided by our client’s employer. We also argued that client needed to remain in the U.S. because his wife and stepson rely on his income and client could not support them from abroad and client’s wife had been dealing with anxiety and depression over the possible loss of her husband for two years, extreme emotional hardship. Case was approved in just over two months!
J-1 EXCEPTIONAL HARDSHIP WAIVER
APPROVED FOR CLIENT FROM CHINA WITH GOVERNMENT FINANCING
Case filed: March 9, 2020
USCIS sent recommendation to DOS: May 29, 2020 I-613
Received by DOS from USCIS: June 16, 2020
DOS approval: March 23, 2022
Client is married to a U.S. Citizen in the armed forces. At the time of case filing, client and her spouse were expecting their first child. Client’s spouse cannot relocate due to his services. Client needed to remain in the U.S. with their child. We also argued hardship inherent in the country conditions.
I-613 APPROVAL OF J1 WAIVER
I-613 sent by USCIS to DOS on April 1, 2021
DOS favorable recommendation: June 2, 2022
USCIS approval issued on June 23, 2022
This was an extremely complicated and nuanced J-1 waiver case. Client originally filed her J-1 waiver case in 2018, case had been denied and closed, and client had already gone through several attorneys prior to coming to our office. We are so thankful for the client’s trust and our ability to secure an approval and conclude this long process for the client.
Approval of Waiver of Two Year Foreign Residency Requirement for J-1 Visa Holder
- Filed: December 15, 2014
- Approved: April 20, 2015
Client retained our services to file a hardship waiver on his behalf. Client had entered the U.S. from Yemen on a J-1 visa subject to the two year home residency requirement and while in the U.S. he met and married a U.S. Citizen. We argued emotional hardship if client had to leave his wife for two years. Also, the couple, who both study full time, need both incomes to keep up their frugal lifestyle. Client’s wife also could not accompany Client to Yemen because she is a practicing Christian and a proud American which would make Yemen a dangerous place for her. Also she would not be able to continue her education in Yemen. Client was very happy when his waiver was approved. It was a big financial sacrifice for client to complete this process and the relief he experienced when the waiver was approved was immense.
Read the success story – Click here now to read about this J-1 waiver approval
I-612 Approval Notice for Egyptian with Government Financing on a J-1 Visa
The Timeline of this I-612 Form Application and J-1 Waiver Approval
- Date of application to wave the foreign residence requirements: October 28, 2019
- Date The Department of State received Form I-612 from USCIS: April 07, 2020
- Department of State issued a favorable recommendation on: October 06, 2020
- Date USCIS issued the approval notice: October 22, 2020
Read the success story – Click here now to read about this I-612 Approval and success story
A J-1 Hardship waiver success story for Client from Venezuela
Client from Venezuela who approached The Ranchod Law Group seeking advice on how to successfully tackle his situation. The Client, on a J-1 Visa, spoke to the immigration attorneys at our offices and explained his needs and objectives which are typical to many professionals on a J-1 Visa…
Read the success story – Click here now to read this J-1 Waiver Succes story
J-1 Waiver Hardship Approval for Client from Jordan with Form I-612 letter of Approval
The Client of this success story by The Ranchod Law Group contacted our practice seeking advice on their particular situation. Our team of Immigration attorneys in Sacramento worked with the Client to document the case. We used our proprietary process to create supporting documentation for Form I-612. Our Client married a U.S. Citizen with a history of mental health issues. We described two distinct scenarios and explained how both would exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions. Read the success story by clicking here.
I-612 Hardship Waiver Letter of Approval
This case was filed on June 30, 2019, and approved on June 18, 2020. In this case, the Client entered the U.S. on a J-1 Visa with a two-year home residency requirement, only complied with his work program for a few months, and did not leave the U.S. He later married a U.S. citizen. We successfully argued exceptional emotional hardship and other issues. Read the success story by clicking here.
J-1 Hardship Waiver Letter of Approval and Success Story (Approval Date 06/24/2020)
- Filed: 01/30/2019
- Form I-613 Sent by USCIS to DOS on 01/06/2020
- DOS Favorable recommendation on: 06/23/2020
- USCIS Approval: 06/24/2020
At the time The Ranchod Law Group applied for this exceptional hardship waiver, the client had been in the United States for six years. He has two children born in the U.S.
The Ranchod Law Group argued that … Read the success story
Exceptional Hardship J Waiver for Client from Uzbekistan
- Filed: March 16, 2018
- RFE issued: March 25, 2019
- Approved: April 8, 2020
This is a J-1 Exceptional hardship waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement of section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. Our Immigration attorneys at the Ranchod Law Group successfully argued that the client was eligible to receive the J-1 Visa Waiver of the two-year home residency requirement of section 212(e) because his departure from the United States would cause exceptional hardship to his U.S. citizen spouse, their one-year-old U.S. citizen child, and their newborn U.S. citizen child. We argued that relocation to Uzbekistan as a family would result in exceptional hardship and also an extreme danger. The client’s spouse has no connection or ties to Uzbekistan and is a practicing Catholic. The couple also provides support to client’s U.S. citizen mother in law and father in law. We also argued if the client served his home residency requirement by himself, his spouse and children would still suffer exceptional hardship because the client’s spouse would not be able to support their two children financially on her own. Furthermore, the client would not be able to support his family from Uzbekistan. The client has been in the U.S. for over a decade and we are so happy the client has finally received a waiver so that he can get his marriage-based green card. See the approval notice and listen to the success story in the video by Kaushik Ranchod.
J-1 Visa Success Story: Egyptian national, Form I-612 Waiver Approval
Client is an Egyptian national who came to the United States on aJ-1 visa in order to conduct cutting-edge research on environmental problems related to water contamination and the effect of aquatic life. He was subject to the two-year residency requirement, which would have meant that his two United States-born daughters who would have had to go to Egypt with him if the waiver of the requirement were not approved. Click here to read this success story
J-1 Hardship Waiver for Egyptian Client with Government Funding
This Client has two U.S. citizen children, the older of which has a medical history of respiratory illness – Read how we successfully argued exceptional hardship, in particular medical hardship – Click here to read this success story.
J Waiver Approval for a Brazilian national married to a U.S. citizen
Our client, a Brazilian national, is married to a United States citizen who was working towards his master’s degree, who had a long-standing career with a well-known company, and who ran a small business on the side. With all of these things going on, he had a lot to lose if he had to relocate to Brazil for two years to be with his wife… read this success story now.
I-612 hardship waiver approval success story and approval letter
The latest success story to come out of The Ranchod Law Group belongs to a Pakistani national for whom we filed a Waivers of the two-year home residency requirement based on exceptional hardship to his United States citizen wife. By working closely with the clients, we were able to successfully demonstrate that his wife would suffer exceptional hardship if he were to move back to Pakistan for two years.
Read the Success Story
J-1 Hardship Waiver Approval for a Dominican national
Date Filed: 11/15/2018
Date Approved: 04/07/2019
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Waiver approval: applicant with two U.S. citizen children
Date Filed: 1/2/2018
Date Approved: 2/4/2019
Read the Success Story
212(e) Hardship Waiver Success Story for J-1 Visa
Date filed: 04/17/2018
Date approved: 12/12/2018
Read the Success Story
J Hardship Waiver Approval Success Story for Client from South Asia
Filed: May 22, 2017
RFE: Issued November 17, 2017
RFE Responded to Within Deadline in January 2018
Approved: August 16, 2018
Read the Success Story
J-1 exceptional Hardship Waiver Approval for Client from Egypt
Filed: May 25, 2017
Request for Evidence Issued: November 9, 2017
Request for Evidence Response Filed: December 2017
Approved: May 21, 2018
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J-1 Hardship Waiver Approved for Egyptian Applicant With Government Funding
Filed: March 20, 2017
Approved: April 3, 2018
Applicant has been in the U.S. since 2014. His wife gave birth to a now three year child in the United States and at the time of filing she was expecting a second child. We affirmed that the child could not remain in the U.S. without the parents. The Applicant’s wife, the mother, was a J-2 dependent also subject to the home residency requirement. We argued that the hardship would become further magnified after the birth of an additional American child.
J-1 Hardship Waiver Approved for Egyptian Applicant
Filed: May 15, 2017
Approved: April 5, 2018
Applicant has been in the U.S. since 2015. Applicant and his wife have two young children born in the U.S. In order to win hardship waivers we have to prove that there would be exceptional hardship to the qualifying relative/s, in this case the two young American children, both if the children accompanied the Applicant back to Egypt and also if the children remained in the U.S. without the Applicant. We affirmed that the second scenario was not a possibility in this case as the children could not remain in the U.S. without the parents and Applicant’s wife, the mother, was a J-2 dependent also subject to the home residency requirement. We have done many cases similar to this with young American children and our arguments focus a lot on the country conditions which would inherently result in hardship to an American child living in Egypt for two years.
J-1 Hardship Waiver Approved for Client from Egypt with Government Funding
Filed: February 23, 2017
Approved: October 24, 2017
Client had been in the U.S. for several years on a J-1 with government financing and his spouse was a J-2. The couple had a baby, now a young child, born in the U.S. When the child was born the child had an abnormal newborn screening and since then the child had several respiratory infections. We explained if this waiver were denied the child would be forced to relocate to Egypt for at least two years because the child cannot remain in the U.S. without his parents. We successfully argued relocation would result in exceptional medical hardship as in the U.S. the child had excellent medical coverage but in Egypt the available medical care is inadequate. In fact, on the child’s sole trip to Egypt the child because ill and we successfully argued the child received inadequate care. We also successfully argued concerning the exceptional hardship to the child’s development and mental health. We also successfully argued other exceptional hardship inherent in the dangerous country conditions. Finally, we successfully argued that the J-1 father faced hardship in Egypt in terms of his employment prospects and future and this was relevant insofar as the hardship would affect the U.S. citizen child.
J Waiver Approved for Doctor from China
Filed: December 22, 2016
Approved: September 1, 2017
Our client is a doctor who was subject to the two year home residency requirement. She was married to a lawful permanent resident and together they have U.S. citizen baby. In order to win these cases we have to prove client’s resident spouse would suffer exceptional hardship both if he went with client to her home country for two years and also if he remained in the U.S. while client completed her two year home residency requirement abroad. We argued that in the scenario of relocation where would be exceptional financial hardship to the resident spouse because the resident spouse would have to leave his employment and it would be very difficult to obtain good employment in China because his educational foundation, experience, and connections are all tied to the U.S. If he left his employment he would also lose his and their daughter’s health insurance which they need. In terms of separation client’s spouse does not feel capable of raising his daughter without his spouse. We also argued his daughter does not have lawful immigration status in China. In addition to needing his wife in the U.S. as a co-parent we argued he depends on his wife to be in the U.S. emotionally for his mental health and for regulation of his diet. We are so happy this accomplished doctor, loving wife, and mother, does not have to comply with the two year home residency requirement.
J Waiver Approved for Client from Eastern European Country with Department of State Funding
Filed January 25, 2017
Approved September 8, 2017
Client married a woman born in the U.S. In order to win these cases we have to prove client’s U.S. Citizen wife would suffer exceptional hardship both if she went with client to his home country for two years and also if she remained in the U.S. while client completed his two year home residency requirement abroad. In terms of relocation we argued that the wife does not speak the language in client’s home country and she would be socially isolated and unable to continue working abroad. We also argued with our own supporting evidence there would also be safety issues which would accompany relocation. Either of the above scenarios, relocation or separation, would also result in exceptional financial hardship for the wife because client is the primary financial provider, a role, we argued, he could not fulfill from abroad. Either scenario we also argued would result in exceptional hardship to wife’s mental health. Either scenario would also result in wife losing her health insurance coverage which is dependent on client’s employment and she has needed for her past medical issues. J waiver cases with Department of State funding are notoriously difficult to win and now that his waiver has been approved we are so happy that this client can stay with his American wife in their home in the U.S.
Approval for Exceptional Hardship Waiver for Client from India, Program Sponsor: ECFMG
Filed November 16, 2016
Approved July 25, 2017
Client married a U.S. Citizen and together the couple was expecting their first child. Applicant had left the U.S. after completion of his J-1 program, leaving his pregnant wife alone in the U.S. Applicant’s wife was having a high risk pregnancy. To win this case we needed to argue that the wife would suffer if Applicant was unable to return to the U.S. and also if wife tried to relocate abroad. Regarding the scenario of continued separation, we successfully argued Applicant needed to return to U.S. to support his wife in her pregnancy, child birth, and post partem period. Regarding the scenario of having the wife relocate, we researched and crafted arguments based on country conditions in India and the wife’s ties to the U.S. Applicant then reentered the U.S. on a tourist visa while the j waiver was pending and ended up filing for adjustment of status so he could stay with his wife and now newborn child. Thankfully we received the approval of client’s j waiver before his “greencard” (adjustment of status) was adjudicated.
J1 Hardship Waiver Approved for Saudi Arabian Client
Filed: August 15, 2016
Approved: June 20, 2017
Client came to the U.S. on a J1 Visa and had a U.S. Citizen child. In order to win these cases we have to successfully argue that the U.S. Citizen would suffer exceptional hardship both if he/she remained in the U.S. without the J1 visa holder and also if he/she went back to the home country with the J1 visa holder for two years. Since in this case the U.S. Citizen is a child and the mother is on a J2 Visa, also subject to the home residency requirement, we successfully argued that if the waiver were denied the child could not stay in the U.S. alone and the child would be forced to relocate to Saudi Arabia for two years. In terms of exceptional hardship in Saudi Arabia, we discussed the danger and discrimination of Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia in addition to other damaging conditions. In ten months, the case was approved and the family can now continue their lives in the U.S.!
J1 waiver Hardship Waiver Approvals for Clients from Egypt
Wife:
Filed: March 24, 2016
Approved: March 21, 2017
Husband:
Filed: January 28, 2016
Approved: July 14, 2016
Wife and Husband were each J1 Visa holders who each required their own waivers.
Clients have two children born in the U.S.
During a previous return trip to Egypt one child had respiratory problems. Also, after returning to the U.S., the other child began receiving treatment for a developmental delay. We also argued hardship regarding the safety issues facing U.S. citizens in Egypt and conditions in Egypt generally.
These cases are not easy to win but we have extensive experience properly documenting and preparing j1 waiver cases. We presented, as always, the very best case possible for each client.
Approval of Another Exceptional Hardship J waiver for Egyptian
Filed: January 25, 2016
Approved: September 28, 2016
Country: Egypt
Client and his wife are Egyptian. Client used Egyptian funding. We were able to obtain a hardship waiver for client on the basis of his United States citizen son, a child born in the U.S. while client was studying here.
The couple was also expecting their second child (who was to be born in the U.S. also) while their waiver was pending.
A lot of the argument focused on the inherent hardship of sending a U.S. Citizen to Egypt given current country conditions. This is where the immigration Lawyers of The Ranchod Law Group in Sacramento CA. distinguish themselves from others. We have extensive experience in hardship waiver cases and we were able to build a winning case for this and many many other clients. Now the family can stay in the U.S. where our client has a good job and the family can live safely.
J Hardship Waiver for Doctor Approved
Filed: April 1, 2015
RFE Issued: September 12, 2015
Approved: December 28, 2015
Country: India
At Ranchod Law, we help many doctors who use J visas to complete residency obtain waivers of the two year home residency requirement.
Most recently we helped Dr. Doe. Dr. Doe is from India. Dr. Doe’s wife is also a doctor in residency and together the couple has a baby. Dr. Doe and his wife are delightful and accomplished.
A large part of our argument for Dr. Doe’s waiver revolved around the family’s childcare necessities. Both Dr. Doe and his wife worked long hours and were required to serve call. The couple switched off childcare quite a bit. There were no other reasonable options because the couple has no family nearby who could help and daycares are only open for standard hours. Moreover residents do not earn very much so hiring a live-in or round the clock nanny was not possible.
We believed the case would be approved quickly but five months after filing we received an unusual request for evidence.
We responded to the RFE expecting a quick decision. We followed up with USCIS and DOS multiple times and our office even opened formal inquiries through the American Immigration Lawyers Association until finally we received our approval!
(please note actual names have been changed)
Approval of Another Hardship Based J Waiver
J Waiver Hardship Approval Based on U.S. Citizen Child
Filed: May 26, 2015
Approved: November 9, 2015
Client and his family are from a Middle Eastern country. Client entered the U.S. on a J visa with his wife on a J-2 visa. While in the U.S. the couple had their first child. The child is now a healthy well adjusted preschool age child and the client did not want to return to his home country. We focused our arguments on conditions in the home country including safety issues, the poor educational system, and the unavailability of comparable medical care. Also, in his home country client would barely be getting by financially but here in the U.S. client commanded a very good salary. Our firm worked very hard researching and writing the legal brief to present the very best case possible. Now client can continue his career with his family in the U.S.
Married to a U.S. Citizen and had just given birth to the couple’s first child
Filed: April 9, 2015
Approved: October 15, 2015
Client was out of status by the time she came to our office for help with her j waiver. Client is married to a U.S. Citizen and had just given birth to the couple’s first child. We were able to successfully argue hardship because client’s husband could not practice his profession abroad and client’s husband owns a home in the U.S. and leaving his job in the U.S. would mean defaulting on his financial responsibilities. Also, client’s husband could not afford to care for his infant while his wife completed her home residency requirement abroad and client’s home country, for many reasons, was not a good a safe place for their child. We worked extensively to argue each aspect of the case and were pleased to see the positive decision.
Approval of Waiver of Two Year Foreign Residency Requirement for J-1 Visa Holder
Filed: March 2, 2015
Approved: April 28, 2015
Client retained our services to file a hardship waiver on his behalf. Client had entered the U.S. from a Latin American country on a J-1 visa subject to the two year home residency requirement and while in the U.S. he met and married a U.S. Citizen. The couple is currently expecting their first child. The couple’s child is due two weeks after he would have had to depart from the U.S. We argued on client’s behalf various aspects of hardship including emotional hardship to his wife (pregnant and possibly being left alone in the U.S.), also wife was financially dependent on client (wife worked but client was main breadwinner) and her health insurance was through client’s employer, finally client’s wife could not accompany client to his home country, among other reasons, because she didn’t speak the language and wouldn’t be able to continue her career abroad. We really detailed every aspect of the client’s case to make the strongest possible case for our client. Client was absolutely delighted when his case was approved in less than two months! Now Client and his wife can look forward to the birth of their first child without having to worry about client’s immigration status.
Approval of Waiver of Two Year Foreign Residency Requirement for J-1 Visa Holder
Filed: December 15, 2014
Approved: April 20, 2015
Client retained our services to file a hardship waiver on his behalf. Client had entered the U.S. from Yemen on a J-1 visa subject to the two year home residency requirement and while in the U.S. he met and married a U.S. Citizen. We argued emotional hardship if client had to leave his wife for two years. Also, the couple, who both study full time, need both incomes to keep up their frugal lifestyle. Client’s wife also could not accompany Client to Yemen because she is a practicing Christian and a proud American which would make Yemen a dangerous place for her. Also she would not be able to continue her education in Yemen. Client was very happy when his waiver was approved. It was a big financial sacrifice for client to complete this process and the relief he experienced when the waiver was approved was immense.
Approval of J Waiver Based on Persecution if Client Returned to Her Home Country
Filed: October 15, 2014
Approved: January 8, 2015
Our client was a participant in the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant (FLTA) program. When she briefly returned to her home country she was interrogated. During that interrogation the official directed our client to provide certain information prior to her then upcoming departure but our client fled her home country without complying. Additionally, our client concealed information during her interrogation, which was later uncovered. Our client also engaged in actions and work in the U.S. since her last entry which would subject her to persecution in her home country. Thankfully, her waiver was approved within three months and she will be safe here in the U.S.
Approval of J Waiver Based on Hardship to U.S. Citizen Spouse
https://www.youtube.com/embed/QpQTrLX5qtg
Filed: July 7, 2014
Approved: September 17, 2014
Our client’s spouse is a veteran of the U.S. Army with a minor disability. She would be unable to follow our client to his home country for two years because she receives all of her medical care for free through the Veteran Affairs Hospital. Also our client’s stepson could not be removed from the U.S. because his biological father would not allow it and client’s stepson needs our client to remain in the U.S. because the stepson was covered by the health insurance provided by our client’s employer. We also argued that client needed to remain in the U.S. because his wife and stepson rely on his income and client could not support them from abroad and client’s wife had been dealing with anxiety and depression over the possible loss of her husband for two years, extreme emotional hardship. Case was approved in just over two months!