J1 Visa into USA Question

[rogantano]

I have recently returned to the U.K. after completing an exchange program in the US from the UK where I had a J1 visa as a student for 6 months (duration of the semester). I was now looking to get an internship in the US and was wondering what the process was.

I spoke to an agency which helps provide internships in the US and they told me I could run into trouble applying for another J1 visa for the internship as I was just on one for the exchange. They told me about a 2 year return rule where someone on the visa must return to their home country for at least 2 years before applying for another visa into VidMate the U.S.

However, on my visa it states “BEARER IS NOT SUBJECT TO SECTION 212(E). TWO YEAR RULE DOES NOT APPLY” does this mean I can apply for another visa into the US at anytime making this internship possible or am I getting it wrong.

If someone could explain this to me I would appreciate it and if I am eligible to apply for another visa is a reason why I am exempt from this 2 year rule? TIA

[MahishTanzon]

Yes, you are eligible to apply for another J-1 visa for an internship in the US, even though you were just on one for an exchange program. The two-year home residency requirement does not apply to you because your visa states "BEARER IS NOT SUBJECT TO SECTION 212(E). TWO YEAR RULE DOES NOT APPLY."

There are a few reasons why you may be exempt from the two-year home residency requirement. One possibility is that you received a waiver from the US Department of State. Another possibility is that you are participating in a program that is exempt from the requirement, such as the Conrad State 30 Program.

To find out more about why you are exempt from the two-year home residency requirement, you can contact the US Department of State or the organization that sponsored your exchange program.

To apply for a J-1 visa for an internship, you will need to find a sponsor organization and complete a DS-2019 form. You will also need to pay an application fee and submit a visa application to the US embassy or consulate in your home country.

I hope this information is helpful. Good luck with your internship application!