When a foreign national obtains a J1 visa for a trainee or internship program in the US, part of the application process for certain applicants is promising to return to the home country for at least two years to share what they have learned in America with fellow countrymen. The United States, and the home country, takes this promise very seriously and will not allow the participant to enjoy future US immigration benefits until they have fulfilled their obligation back home. However, the US government is willing to waiver the requirement in exceptional cases, especially when a US citizen would experience hardship if the foreign national were not allowed to remain in the US. Other exceptions are made when the foreign national plays a vital role in research that benefits the US or when they provide medical care to underserved segments of the US population. The j1 waiver is the type of US immigration waiver that must be granted before certain J1 visa exchange visitors can change status to a work visa (such as an H-1B) or adjust status to that of a US green card holder without having to go home for two years. If a visa applicant requires a J1 waiver, the US Department of State has the ultimate authority over whether one should be granted.
