The two-year home residency rule for J-1 visa holders requires you to return to your country for at least two years before becoming eligible for an H-1B, L visa, or green card. However, you may apply for a waiver of this requirement under certain conditions such as fear of persecution, hardship to a U.S. citizen spouse or child, or a “No Objection” statement from your home country’s government.

The J-1 two-year home residency requirement is a public diplomacy policy tool designed to ensure that exchange visitors bring their U.S. training and experience back to their home country. It applies selectively, based on funding, area of specialization, and bilateral agreements, and can affect future immigration options unless waived through a recognized process.

The J-1 two-year home residency requirement mandates that certain J-1 visa holders must return to their home country for a cumulative two years after completing their program in the U.S. before they are eligible to apply for an H, L, or immigrant visa, or adjust status to permanent residency. This condition applies if the exchange visitor’s program was funded by the U.S. or home government, involves skills listed on the State Department's Skills List, or is for medical training.