If you’re on a J-1 visa with a two-year home residency requirement, you may be able to apply for a waiver. Once granted, you can stay in the U.S. and begin a new program by switching to an F-1 student visa.

Your ability to stay depends on the visa type you hold. If it’s a J-1 visa, you’re subject to a two-year home residency rule, but you can request a waiver under certain conditions, like fear of persecution or a no-objection statement from your government. After receiving a waiver, you can change status to F-1 for your next program. Talk to your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) before making any decisions.

You can apply for a J-1 waiver and then change to an F-1 visa if you want to continue studying without returning home.