IMMIGRANT VISA PROCEDURES

In order to protect the health, welfare, and security of the U.S., certain applicants are not eligible for the issuance of a visa even if they qualify in other ways. There are specific ineligibilities written in US immigration law. For example applicants must be refused visas when they have a communicable disease, a dangerous mental disorder; have committed serious criminal acts; are terrorists or have used illegal means to enter the U.S. or remain there beyond the permitted time. If you are found to be ineligible, the consular officer will advise you regarding your ineligibilities and whether there is a possibility of obtaining a waiver.

Exchange visitors may be subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement of Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The J-1 visa will indicate whether or not the recipient of the visa is subject to this requirement. Exchange visitors who are subject to, but do not wish to comply with, the two-year home country residence requirement, may apply for a waiver of that requirement under any one of the five applicable grounds provided by the United States immigration law. For more information please visit the Visa Office web site.