24 Month Repeat Participation Bar

Following their exchange visitor program, individuals who participated in a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor category program are automatically subjected to a 24-month (two year) bar from participating in another J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program.

These exchange visitors may not participate in another J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program until two years have passed since the end date of their last J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program. The rule extends to J-2 dependents who accompanied their J-1 family member in a Research Scholar or Professor program.

This rule is automatic, it is not indicated on the exchange visitor’s visa stamp or DS-2019 form. Unlike the 2-year home residency requirement, there is no option to apply for a waiver of this bar.

It is important to recognize that these bars only impact one’s eligibility to participated in a J-1 exchange visitor program in the Research Scholar or Professor categories – it does not apply to other travel to the U.S. (such as tourist, F-1 student, H-1B, J-1 student, etc.)