J-1 Visa, Waiver of Two-Year Return Home Requirement in Charleston, SC

Five major types of waivers of the two-year J-1 Visa return home requirement are available. These are based upon;

1. A No Objection Statement obtained from the home country government through its Washington, D.C. Embassy stating it has no objection to the J visa holder not returning or becoming a U.S. Permanent Resident. Normally, these take 6 to 8 weeks to process.
2. A request by an interested U.S. Federal Agency, which sends it to the Waiver Review Division, Department of State, or by the designated ministry in the home country, which sends it to the home embassy.
3. Proof of legitimate fear of persecution upon return to the home country.
4. Proof of Exceptional Hardship upon departure predicated upon filing of USCIS Form I-612 with accompanying documentation and appropriate legal brief. Normal processing time is 3 to 4 months.
5. A request by a designated State Public Health Department (commonly also known as a Conrad 30 Program).

All of these waivers are best served with legal consultation, preparation, and representation. Charleston immigration attorneys have processed these waivers and can advise you of the strategy and proper way to proceed.