Reasons for a J-1 Visa Waiver

• A holder of a J-1 visa or a dependent U.S. citizen often receives waivers when a return to a home country puts either or both types of individuals at risk. If petition, home countries occasionally waive the two-year requirement as well.
  
  

Significance

• J-1 visa waivers remove the two-year requirement to return to a home country after completing a U.S. training program. According to J-1 visa regulations, the J-1 visa holder then becomes eligible to apply for employment in the U.S.
  
  

Application Process

• An applicants for a J-1 visa waiver must complete the online waiver application form DS-3035. Additionally, application fees and supporting documents must supplement the online application through mail delivery.
  
  

Notification

• According to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, applicants receive notification by mail regardless of whether the decision to grant or deny the waiver request.
  
  

Denied Waivers

• A J-1 visa holder that is denied a waiver must complete the terms of the J-1 visa agreement by returning to their home country for two years of service. A visa holder that violates these terms may negatively impact any future U.S. visa applications.