12/24-Month Bars on Repeat Participation
For J-1 Research Scholar or Professor categories only
The 12 and 24-month rule affects J-1 exchange visitors who have been in the U.S. on a J-1 visa previously, and wish to return, using the J-1 visa. The bars prohibit certain “repeat participation” in the Research Scholar or Professor categories only. Depending on what a J-1 exchange visitor's previous J category was, they may be subject to a 12-month bar, a 24-month bar, or have no bar at all. The following chart shows how long they would have to wait (the 12 or 24-month bar) before they could obtain a new J-1 Research Scholar or Professor visa based on what their previous J status was. If they never before had J-1 visa sponsorship, then the bars do not apply.
*Important Note: Please note that the 12-Month and 24-Month Bar are NOT the same as the J-1 Two-Year Homestay requirement – these are two different conditions that can affect J-1 visa holders.
Any indication below that there is “no wait” time refers only to the 12 and 24-month bars. It is possible that a J-1 visitor has no wait time related to the 12 and 24-month bars - but is subject to the two-year home residency requirement.
Previous Scholar Immigration Status
For LESS Than 6 Months
| If you have or had this J visa category | Wait time for new J-1 research scholar/professor visa |
|---|---|
| J-1 Student Non-Degree | No Wait |
| J-1 Student | No Wait |
| J-1 Research Scholar/Professor Category for any amount of time (one day to five years) | 24 Months |
| J-1 Short-Term Scholar | No Wait |
| J-1 Specialist | No Wait |
For MORE Than 6 Months
| If you have or had this J visa category | Wait time for new J-1 research scholar/professor visa |
|---|---|
| J-1 Student Non-Degree | 12 Months |
| J-1 Student | 12 Months |
| J-1 Student Intern | 12 Months |
| J-1 Specialist | 12 Months |
| J-1 Research Scholar/Professor Category for any amount of time (one day to five years) | 24 Months |
| J-2 Dependent of Research Scholar/Professor Category | 24 Months |
| J-2 Dependent of any J-1 category except Short-Term Scholar | 12 Months |
If you are inviting a scholar who has recently been in the U.S. in any immigration status, but especially J-1, it will be important for the ISSO to receive documentation and verification of the period of stay in that previous immigration status to determine eligibility for a new immigration status to come to Brandeis. Please feel free to contact the ISSO for further details and consultation.