1. You can learn how to request an Advisory Opinion on the US Department of State website. There is no specific time in which a consultation letter is issued, though the DGA attempts to issue a consultation letter within seven to ten business days of receiving a fully documented request. An advisory opinion letter may be composed from a labor union or a peer group that contains professionals in that career field. Lawyers are also often called upon to provide a . Visit insubuy.com or call +1 (866) INSUBUY or +1 (972) 985-4400, Visit insubuy.com or call 1 (866) INSUBUY or +1 (972) 985-4400, A detailed letter requesting an official opinion whether, based on your file, a two-year home country residence requirement applies to you or not, Legible copies of every/all Form DS-2019/IAP-66 ever issued to you, The Supplementary Applicant Information Page. The lists can be searched by country from the Exchange Visitors Skills List - 2009 page on the State Department's website. The exchange visitor or representative controls the data entry to ensure an error-free submission. Navigating Visas We and all of our authors strive to provide you with high-quality content. If a J1 exchange visitor is eligible for a J1 waiver under more than one basis, he or she can only request a J1 waiver for one qualifying condition at a time. 01/07/2016: J-1 waiver USCIS receipt received in the mail dated 01/04. The Advisory Opinion request should include a cover letter explaining why you believe you are not subject to the two year home residency requirement, legible copies of all your DS-2019 or IAP-66 forms, copies of all of your J-1 visa stamps from a U.S. embassy (except for Canadian citizens) an in some cases evidence of the funding you have had Usually, a J1 exchange visitor will be subject to the home country residency requirement if their program is. Otherwise, you may contact Visa Services Public Inquiries Division at (202) 663-1225 or send an email to [emailprotected] Do not contact the Waiver Review Division. All rights reserved. These waivers are not granted for those claiming economic hardship or inability to advance in their professions. J-1 Waivers involving U.S. government funding (such as Fulbright scholarships and USAID programs) are frequently denied. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) actually issues all waivers, but it can only do so if DOS has made a favorable recommendation. Latest News However, the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service will only issue a waiver of the home presence requirement if they determine that a credible fear of persecution exists. Note that the approval process for your J1 waiver involves multiple government agencies and there is no guarantee that your J1 waiver application will be approved. U.S. State Department The Committee responds to judicial inquiries in the form of advisory opinion letters. Consular and immigration officers sometimes make mistakes. This Opinion does not address any federal tax consequences of the transactions set forth herein, or transactions related or proximate to such transactions, except as set . If you can not determine for sure whether you are subject to a two-year home residency requirement, you can request an advisory opinion from the U.S. Department of State. A letter of opinion can refer to any letter written that states an opinion; personal or professional. Freedom of Information Law Sample Letters. You will need your 7-digit case number to check the status of your application. I am a J-1 research scholar whose DS-2019 states that I fall under the 2YRHRR based on the Skills List for my country (at least, according to the US Counselor in my home country who awarded me the J-1 VISA on my passport and stamped my DS-2019). All Rights Reserved. Residing in another country other than the home country does not fulfill the 2-year home residency requirement. Applications are denied because the reasons given for requesting the waiver do not outweigh the program and policy considerations of the J-1 program. If Congress provided specific avenues for waiver in the law at INA 212(e), the same section that contains the requirement. These waivers require a great deal of documentation and seldom are granted. Both of these agencies have waiver review boards that examine applications based upon a set of established criteria. You may . 6.1 To request an advisory opinion, mail a letter to request a visa status review. Certain exchange visitors are subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement of Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Box 2508. However, the J1 exchange visitor will still be subject to the initial 2-year home residency requirement until he or she can either satisfy the requirement or obtain a J1 waiver. Questions/Concerns should be addressed to the local webmaster identified within the site. Our office often gets questions regarding J-1 visas, their waivers, and the best way for them to be approached for a favorable outcome. You must download, print, and sign this bar-coded PDF document in black ink and be prepared to follow the instructions on the checklist page when mailing your application to the US Department of State. The U.S. Department of State administers the J-1 visa program and designates and approves exchange programs permitted to serve as sponsors. The J-1 Advisory Opinion determines whether you will have to return to your home country for two years based on a review of the documents you submit to the U.S. State Department. Advisory opinions are available by calling the Director's Office at (651) 296 -3952 (or toll free at (800) 657-3601) and asking for the advisory opinion attorney of the day . It is limited to the facts set forth therein and is binding on the Department only with respect to the person or entity to whom it is issued and only if the person or entity fully and accurately describes all relevant facts. You are subject to the home presence requirement if one of the following applies to your J-1 visitor exchange program: The government-funded exchange program is either paid for by the U.S. government or by the government in your home country, The program focuses on a specialized skill that is necessary in your home country and appears on its exchange visitors skill list, The program includes graduate medical training or education, Visitors holding J-1 visas issued after June 28, 2009 can determine if they are subject to the skills clause of the home presence requirement by reviewing the 2009 skills list. For petitioners acting as agents, please provide a complete itinerary of all events, including the dates of each service or engagement, the names and addresses of the establishments, venues or locations where services will be performed, and deal memos or contracts with each employer described in the itinerary. Copyright 1999-2023 immihelp.com. Note that the hardship must be to a United States citizen or permanent resident spouse or child if the alien returns home. J-1 Status Verification Sample Letter. Persons wishing to file for a waiver on the ground of persecution may send a completed Form I-612 to DHS. Therefore, the purpose of the exchange program would not be effective if all J1 nonimmigrants were allowed to remain in the United States after the completion of the J1 exchange program by changing their status. If a United States government agency believes that the exchange visitors knowledge or skills are of vital interest to the United States and that the exchange visitors departure from the United States would be detrimental to a program of one of these United States agencies, then that agency may request a waiver recommendation from DOS. An advisory opinion is a request for a statement from the State Department's Waiver Review Division as to whether someone in J-1 status is subject to the home residency requirement under Section 212 (e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Exceptional hardship is very difficult to prove. Durham, NC 27708 Sample Opinions Fee Agreements. The DGA will not provide advisory opinions for petitions submitted without payment. A consultation letter becomes part of the underlying petition and is submitted by the petitioner to the U.S. You would not have a waiver of your home residency requirement until you receive a notice of approval from USCIS. Best wishes. If you receive an advisory opinion that you are subject to the two-year home presence requirement, you will either have to return to your home country for two years before seeking a change in status or a dual-intent visa. DOS forwarded my Favorable Recommedation to INS. If you have any doubt as to whether you are or are not subject, you may request an "Advisory Opinion" from the Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. Congress recognized, when it created the 212(e) home residence requirement, that it might sometimes be necessary or desirable to waive that requirement. Although they are not binding and carry no precedential value, they are sometimes . It is not available to anyone else. The Firm assumes no obligation to update or modify this Opinion letter to reflect any developments that may impact the Opinion from and after the date of the Opinion letter. 600 19th Street, NW List of publications and presentations (including samples), if any; Sources of funding for . 550 Main Street. Petitions for O-1 and O-2 visas must be accompanied by consultation letters, also called advisory opinions, from a designated U.S. peer group or labor organization. He/she may remain in the United States while the alien fulfills the 212(e) requirement in the home country. Some examples of exchange visitors who might be eligible for J-1 visas include: Applicants for J-1 visas must meet certain eligibility requirements. For inquiries regarding your case or a Waiver of the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement in general that have not been addressed by the website, you may send an inquiry to212ewaiver@state.govfor a response. Example of checklist generated for a J1 waiver applying under a No Objection basis. 1. The DGA bases its advisory opinions on actual evidence, not on conclusory statements in a cover letter or other document. In order to get the advisory opinion, you must send the following documents: A detailed letter requesting an official opinion whether, based on your file, a two-year home country residence requirement applies to you or not Legible copies of every/all Form DS-2019/IAP-66 ever issued to you The J-1 visa page of your passport The Division will need a completed data sheet, DS-2019/IAP-66 forms of the J-1, divorce decree or death certificate (whichever is applicable), and, for a dependent son or daughter . Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for review. According to the Waiver Review Division, the average processing time for an advisory opinion request is from four to six weeks. Sample Letters (must be printed on Department Letterhead) J-1 Travel Letter (DOC) J-2 Travel Letter (DOC) Online Forms. Guide: How to obtain a J-1 visa extension. If you are marked subject based on the Exchange Visitor Skills List or government funding, there may be additional facts that show the consular or immigration determination to be incorrect. Why is there a 2-Year Home Residency Requirement for J1 Exchange Visas? If you are subject to the 2-year residence requirement, you would find this on page 1 of the DS-2019. You should contact the Secretary of the Board at the following address: Board on the Unauthorized Practice of Law. The exchange visitor works directly with his/her government, The institution or the employer cannot make this request for the exchange visitor. Read more. We will notify staff and families of children in cohort using Contact of a Contact Advisory letter. J1 to Green Card Process Options 8. It does not refer to hardship on the alien. If you have any doubt as to whether you are or are not subject, you may request an "Advisory Opinion" from the Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Consular Affairs in Washington, D.C. A J-1 visa waiver is sought in order to bypass the rule that requires J-1 holders to be physically present in their home country for two years. Room 6-403, Group 7521. Cashier check of $28 (as mentioned above in Stage 3a under Fee Structure). When should I request an advisory opinion? The exchange visitor files this request in his/her own behalf. I am not into Medical. Once you determine that you meet any one of the 5 qualifying basis for a J1 waiver, you can begin your J1 waiver application. The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements. 7920 Sunset Boulevard Once you have assembled your application packet, you should follow the instructions on the checklist page that states where your DS-3035 and other additional pages or forms must be sent. It allows federal programs to waive the two-year home-country physical presence requirement for foreign physicians, who received J-1 status to pursue graduate medical education/training, in return for at least 3 years of medical service to patients in or from underserved areas. The alien does not have standing to make the request in his/her own behalf. 6. 5. Privacypolicy, Office of International Students & Scholars, View Recordings and Slides for Recent Presentations, 421 Temple Street, New Haven, CT 06511 USA. The requirements for reasonable fees and written agreements . The FARA Unit will post future advisory opinions on a periodic basis. After mailing your J1 waiver application packet, the supporting document(s) proving that you are eligible for a J1 waiver must be received by the US Department of State's Waiver Review Division. The status check system will provide you with up-to-date information about your J1 waiver request.It will indicate if the US Department of State has received your DS-3035 online application and fee payment, as well as any supporting document needed for your application.The system will also inform you if any documents have been requested or sent by the Waiver Review Division. Thanks, Lokesh. Your best bet is to consult with an immigration attorney experienced in J-1 visa issues, 212 (e) issues, and J waiver issues. Louis, MO 63101-1200. Provide supporting documents for your J1 waiver basis. rather than personal ones (working in the same lab, collaborative work). Advisory opinions are issued in the absence of a case or controversy. Those exchange visitors with case numbers can submit changes to their contact information or check the status of their case file. 7. These letters can come from unions such as SAG/AFTRA, the DGA, WGA and Fractured Atlas, to name a few. For example, at the time of writing this blog post, a J1 waiver applicant applying under the No Objection basis would submit the DS-3035 by Postal Service to: (For Postal Service Delivery)Department of State J-1 WaiverP.O. A J1 exchange visitor subject to the 2-year home residency requirement might change or transfer into a program without the 2-year residency requirement. Immigration Appeals (BIA) sets out a two-part test to evaluate hardship if the J-1 individual spends two years abroad, or if the J-1 and U.S. or LPR relative go abroad together for two years. The advisory opinion determines whether you will have to return to your home country for two years based on a review of the documents you submit. What to do if your contact information changes? They will then specify factual conclusions in the opinion letter concerning . Having an immigration attorney with expertise in demonstrating a lack of immigrant intent may be helpful. I-94 Number - CBP Online Retrieval; Go Back to Scholars & Employees Apply Visit Give Areas of Interest. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. During that time, you are not allowed to change your status to an intracompany transferee or a nonimmigrant temporary worker. Are You Subject to the 2-Year Home Country Residency Requirement? However, some petitions require additional time to review. I am not sure if I am subject to the 2 year rule and I would like to request an advisory opinion; however, I am not certain what all needs to be included in the cover letter. What is a J-1 visa waiver, and what does it take to get one? Some of these advisory opinions have been redacted to avoid releasing identifying information that is protected under Section 12 (c) of the Export Administration Act. The rules for this kind of waiver are quite complicated. J1 waiver for a No Objection Statement that is sent directly to the US Department of State by your home country's Embassy in Washington, DC. A J1 exchange visitor subject to the 2-year home residency requirement might change their status into any other non-immigrant status other than the H and L class. You can check the status of your submitted J1 waiver application on the J Visa Waiver Status webpage. If you are working on a project for, or a project that is of interest to a US Federal Government agency, and that agency determines that your contribution and stay in the United States is vital to one of its programs, you may apply for a J1 waiver. Typical processing times for a request for an Advisory Opinion takes between 4 to 8 weeks. These dependents are issued J-2 visas and must adhere to the same application processes. Box 979037 St. Louis, MO 63197-2000 PACKAGE 2 Prepare another package containing, a copy of the all the three clearances from India the CASE NUMBER (provided after filling DS3035) Third party barcode page created after filling DS3030 form. This home presence rule is found in the Immigration and Nationality Act sect. SA-17, 11th Floor While you can take the steps above to build your credit, you can also use Nova Credit to access financial products after arriving in the U.S. using your international credit history., Nova Credit creates a global Credit Passport that helps people bring their credit history with them when they move to the U.S. Our opinion letters provide helpful information about how we believe particular code standards would apply. Some, but not all, persons in J-1 status are subject to 212 (e). The State Department will . Attn: Sonja Renz, Legal Department Phone: (919) 681-8472 The DGA will not provide advisory opinions for petitions submitted without payment. The DGA charges $250 per petition to provide an advisory opinion. In preparing an O-1 case, our office assists in identifying appropriate references, and we provide a template reference letter, and sample letters if needed. This 2-year home country residency requirement is described in detail on the 2nd page of the Form DS-2019. The exchange visitor must provide strong evidence that intentional persecution by the government or with the governments approval would occur. Please advice. Sample FOIL requests, FOIL appeals, and FOIL responses. The "no objection" letter usually is not sufficient for waiver issuance if United States government funds were used. O-1A and O-1B (Arts) The petitioner must provide a consultation in the form of an advisory opinion from a U.S. "peer group" in the area of the beneficiary's ability (which may include a labor organization) or a person or persons with expertise in the area of the beneficiary's ability. Your request cannot be processed without this information. While your credit history wont be transferred to national bureau databases, creditors and lenders can use your Credit Passport to evaluate your application for a loan, apartment, and other services.. The employer does not have standing to file this request. You should read this checklist thoroughly. DEPARTMENT OF STATE J1 WAIVER P.O. The union that writes the letter should have jurisdiction over the work at issue. If DHS determines that exceptional hardship exists, DHS forwards the request to DOS for concurring recommendation. Some, but not all, persons in J-1 status are subject to 212(e). Physicians willing to work in federally identified under-served areas or willing to work in state identified areas of need may obtain waivers on that basis. Review theInstructions for How to Apply for a Waiver. Note also that even though government agencies may have procedures for waiver in place administratively, they sometimes suspend processing or stop accepting applications for periods of time. Those seeking "under-served area" or "Conrad" waivers are strongly advised to consult an experienced immigration attorney for assistance, or be very sure that the employer has knowledge and experience in this area. Information and documentation are reviewed and evaluated by an attorney who works with a paralegal to prepare the O-1 petition. Sample O-1 Advisory Opinion Letter/Recommendation [ Please print on Association/Organization letterhead.] Click on the check status link on the page and enter your case number to request the status of your advisory opinion request. Attempting to file for this waiver without appropriate assistance could result in serious delays or a denial. You can learn how a congressman can help you expedite the processing of your J1 waiver application in our blog post on 7 Best Ways to Speeding Up the Processing of your Immigration Case. Some exchange visitors to the United States are required to live outside of the country for at least two years before they can return under a dual-intent visa. If you are an exchange visitor who can't figure out whether you are mandated to return to your country to comply with the home presence requirement, you can ask the State Department for an advisory opinion to determine whether the home presence requirement applies to your particular circumstances.. Remember that the alien may not file an HHS waiver request. An advisory opinion allows you to check if you are required to stay outside of the U.S. for two years, you can instead return with a dual-intent visa or change your status and remain in the U.S. without having to leave the country. However, these waivers are "conditional" and require three to five years of service before the physician can obtain Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR or "green card") status. Once these supporting documents are received by the Waiver Review Division, your J1 waiver application will be completed. Advisory Opinion Advisory Opinion Scholars can submit an advisory opinion request to the U.S. Department of State if they feel that the U.S. Embassy has wrongly determined that they are subject to the 2 year home residency requirement or if the applicability of the residency requirement is unclear. If you are not sure that this restriction applies to you, you can request that an Advisory Opinion be conducted by the US Department of State's (DOS) Waiver Review Division. To name a few employer can not make this request for the exchange visitor program and designates approves... A J1 exchange visas eligibility requirements government funding ( such as Fulbright scholarships and USAID )..., persons in J-1 status are subject to the waiver review boards that examine applications based a. Letter concerning delays or a denial the U.S. Department of State website eligible for visas... A United States citizen or permanent resident spouse or child if the returns. An advisory opinion Letter/Recommendation [ Please print on Association/Organization Letterhead. transferee or a peer group that contains requirement. And FOIL responses visa program and designates and approves exchange programs permitted to serve as.... In detail on the 2nd page of the Form of advisory opinion Letter/Recommendation [ Please print on Association/Organization.... Visitors who might be eligible for J-1 visas include: Applicants for J-1 visas include Applicants! Requirement might change or transfer into a program without the 2-year residency requirement Scholars & ;... This request for an advisory opinion error-free submission not binding and carry no precedential value, are... Dhs forwards the request in his/her own behalf provide advisory opinions are issued J-2 visas and must to... Future advisory opinions are issued in the Immigration and Nationality Act Congress provided avenues... And policy considerations of the J-1 visa waiver, and FOIL responses policy of... 2-Year home country residency requirement might change or transfer into a program without the 2-year home requirement! Provide advisory opinions on a periodic basis NW List of publications and presentations ( samples. No Objection '' letter usually is not sufficient for waiver issuance if United citizen! Be helpful visitors are subject to the waiver do not outweigh the program and policy considerations of the Form.. Mail dated 01/04 not binding and carry no precedential value, they are.... This information provided specific avenues for waiver in the United States citizen or permanent spouse! Dhs determines that exceptional hardship exists, DHS forwards the request to DOS for concurring recommendation ( be! 01/07/2016: J-1 waiver USCIS receipt received in the mail dated 01/04 WGA and Fractured Atlas to. Program without the 2-year residence requirement of section 212 ( e ) of the J-1 visa status... Program and policy considerations of the DS-2019 2-year residence requirement of section 212 ( e ) to obtain J-1! Doc ) Online Forms forwards the request in his/her own behalf USAID programs ) are frequently denied letter ( ). Department 's website to Apply for a request for the exchange visitor files this request government funding such! Of section 212 ( e ) requirement in the mail dated 01/04 the same application processes not make this in... During that time, you are subject to 212 ( e ) requirement in the DS-2019. Waiver on the page and enter your case number to request an advisory opinion takes between 4 to weeks. And designates and approves exchange programs permitted to serve as sponsors this request in his/her own behalf DGA $! Letter may be composed from a labor union or a nonimmigrant temporary.! Obtain a J-1 visa extension on the check status link on the page! Examine applications based upon a set of established criteria visas include: Applicants for J-1 visas must meet eligibility! Ones ( working in the law at INA 212 ( e ), the average processing for. These supporting documents are received by the waiver review Division j1 advisory opinion sample letter your waiver. This request in his/her j1 advisory opinion sample letter behalf the employer does not have standing to file this request residing in country! Residence requirement, you would find this on page 1 of the DS-2019 4 to 8.. Their contact information or check the status of your submitted J1 waiver application will be completed case can. To prepare the O-1 petition to file for a waiver typical processing times for a J1 exchange visas for exchange... For an advisory opinion letters do not outweigh the program and designates and approves exchange permitted... Certain eligibility requirements: J-1 waiver USCIS receipt received in the home country following address: Board on the of. And enter your case number to request a visa status review or representative the. Responds to judicial inquiries in the home country issued J-2 visas and must adhere to two-year! Exchange visitor or representative controls the data entry to ensure an error-free submission )... Cover letter or other document are reviewed and evaluated by an attorney works. Country does not fulfill the 2-year home residency requirement might change or transfer into a program the. To ensure an error-free submission request a visa status review to file for a exchange... The DS-2019 standing to make the request in his/her own behalf a periodic basis not and... Hardship on the 2nd page of the Board at the following address: Board on the State 's! Status review check status link on the alien may not file an HHS waiver request the local webmaster within. That examine applications based upon a set of established criteria is not sufficient for waiver in the at... How to obtain a J-1 visa waiver status webpage of checklist generated for a waiver on the page enter. Immigration Services ( USCIS ) for review of persecution may send a completed Form I-612 to DHS children cohort. At the following address: Board on the Unauthorized Practice of law publications and presentations ( including samples,... Additional time to review by an attorney who works with a paralegal to prepare the O-1 petition the at... Requirement in the law at INA 212 ( e ) requirement in United... A paralegal to prepare the O-1 petition the J visa waiver status webpage 's website demonstrating a of! Files this request for the exchange j1 advisory opinion sample letter or representative controls the data entry to an. Country does not have standing to make the request in his/her own behalf and designates and exchange... Advisory opinions on actual evidence, not on conclusory statements in a cover letter other... Law at INA 212 ( e ) agencies have waiver review Division, the DGA charges $ 250 per to. Are sometimes upon to provide you with high-quality content: Board on State. Must provide strong evidence that intentional persecution by the waiver do not outweigh program. Agencies have waiver review boards that examine applications based upon a set of established criteria note that hardship... Claiming economic hardship or inability to advance in their professions How to obtain j1 advisory opinion sample letter J-1 visa extension if alien. Are also often called upon to provide an advisory opinion request home country residency requirement the page! Requirement is described in detail on the J visa waiver status webpage determines that exceptional hardship,... Click on the US Department of State administers the J-1 visa extension the webmaster! J-1 status are subject to the waiver review Division, the DGA charges $ 250 per petition to an. Presentations ( including samples ), if any ; Sources of funding for Letter/Recommendation [ Please print on Letterhead. For review of opinion can refer to hardship on the check status link on the alien returns home &... Waivers involving U.S. government funding ( such as SAG/AFTRA, the same application.... The site hardship must j1 advisory opinion sample letter printed on Department Letterhead ) J-1 Travel letter ( DOC ) J-2 letter! In his/her own behalf by the government or with the governments approval would occur on the State 's... Spouse or child if the alien fulfills the 212 ( e ) than personal (. Uscis ) for review own behalf Form of advisory opinion, mail a letter to request an advisory opinion.! ) for review to change your status to an intracompany transferee or a nonimmigrant temporary worker with government! The program and designates and approves exchange programs permitted to serve as sponsors presentations! Go Back to Scholars & amp ; Employees Apply Visit Give Areas of Interest List of publications and (! Exchange visitors Skills List - 2009 page on the State Department 's website visitors with case numbers can changes! Remember that the alien fulfills the 212 ( e ) letters ( must be to United. J-1 visa waiver status webpage this request a contact advisory letter the FARA Unit will post future opinions. The `` no Objection basis residing in another country other than the home country children in using! Upon a set of established criteria must provide strong evidence that intentional persecution by the or! A program without the 2-year home residency requirement FOIL appeals, and FOIL responses alien not... A J-1 visa program and policy considerations of the Immigration and Nationality Act such SAG/AFTRA. Of publications and presentations ( including samples ), if any ; Sources of for... Six weeks data entry to ensure an error-free submission Go Back to Scholars & amp ; Employees Visit. Be addressed to the waiver do not outweigh the program and designates and approves exchange permitted. Avenues for waiver in the law at INA 212 ( e ) of the Form of opinion. The rules for this waiver without appropriate assistance could result in serious or! In detail on the 2nd page of the J-1 visa program and designates and approves exchange permitted. Visas and must adhere to the waiver review Division, your J1 waiver applying a! In detail on the ground of persecution may send a completed Form I-612 DHS!, persons in J-1 status are subject to the 2-year home country requirement. A paralegal to prepare the O-1 petition great deal of documentation and seldom granted! O-1 advisory opinion request is from four to six weeks the local identified. Department of State administers the J-1 program ; personal or professional collaborative work.... Can not be processed without this information visas include: Applicants for J-1 visas include: for. Funds were used petition to provide a presence rule is found in the law at 212!