212(E) Two Year Home Residency Requirement
The 212(E) Two Year Home Residency Requirement is specific to the J-1 Exchange Visitor
Program.
J-1 Exchange Visitors may be subject to the 212(E) requirement if any of the three
conditions apply:
- If the academic program was financed by the U.S. Government and/or Foreign Government.
- If the skills of the exchange visitor falls under the U.S. Department of State’s
Exchange Visitor’s Skills List.
- If the exchange visitor is in the J category for medical education or training.
Family members in J-2 status are also subject to 212(E) if the ruling is applied
to the J-1 exchange visitor.
Exchange Visitors subject to 212(E) are eligible to leave the United States and
return in the Business/Tourist category or F-1 Student Status.
The following immigration benefits will remain unavailable to the exchange visitor
until the requirement is met or a waiver has been obtained. (212(E) section of webpage).