New Procedures for J-1 HRR Waiver Applications
Posted Apr 01, 2000

The Department of State (DOS) has recently changed its procedures and its address for requesting waivers of the J-1 foreign residence requirement. These requirements are in effect starting on March 31, 2000. An overview of the steps are as follows:

Step 1.

To apply for a recommendation for a waiver of the two-year home residence requirement (HRR), the applicant must complete a Data Sheet and send the completed Data Sheet with the processing fee and other information to the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

Step 2.

After the Waiver Review Division receives the Data Sheet, DOS will use the self-addressed, stamped, legal-size envelope sent by the applicant for the waiver of the HRR and send a case number and instruction sheet to the applicant explaining how to proceed with the application based on the information in the Data Sheet.

Step 3.

The applicant then needs to provide the documentation requested by DOS. The Waiver Review Office will NOT follow up on documents that have not been received. Rather, it will be the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the file is complete.

Step 4.

At the conclusion of the review process, the Waiver Review Division will forward its recommendation directly to the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the applicant will receive a copy of that recommendation at the address listed on the data sheet.

With most J1 waiver cases, especially for those subject to the 2 year HRR, it is advisable to consult an attorney who can guide the applicant through the complex and frequently changing laws and procedures.