I came from Guinea about three months ago on a J1 visa for a professional training program in the U.S. The training is set to last six more months, but my host company has already hinted at wanting to hire me afterward because they think I’d be a good fit long-term. I’m confused about whether that’s even possible since I’ve heard J1 visas sometimes have a two-year home residency requirement. Can I change my status here or do I have to return home first?

Question

Lalita Chakraborty · Accepted Answer

If your J1 is subject to the two-year home rule, you must either fulfill it or apply for a waiver.

Nkosinathi Ndlovu · Answer

It depends on whether your specific J1 is subject to the two-year home residency requirement. Some categories are, while others aren’t. If you are, then you’d need a waiver before changing status.

If not, you may apply to adjust status if an employer is willing to sponsor you.

Mahboubeh Mahboubeh · Answer

The two-year requirement is what usually complicates J1 transitions. If you’re subject to it, you can’t switch directly to a work visa in the U.S. without first getting a waiver. If you’re not, then your employer could potentially sponsor you for an H1B or other status. It’s very case-specific, so you should confirm your DS-2019 details.

Ismaila Diallo

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