MinerAlert
MinerAlert
The 12-month and 24-month bars are federal regulations that affect eligibility for future participation in the J-1 Professor or J-1 Research Scholar categories. These bars apply to individuals who have previously held J-1 or J-2 status.
These rules are most relevant to individuals who may later pursue a J-1 Professor or Research Scholar program. They do not apply to most J-1 student programs.
The 24-month bar was established by the U.S. Department of State and applies to individuals who complete a J-1 program in the Professor or Research Scholar category.
An exchange visitor who completes a program in either of these categories is prohibited from beginning another J-1 program in the Professor or Research Scholar category for two years following the program end date.
This restriction also applies to any J-2 dependents.
Example: A J-1 Professor whose program runs from September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2025 would not be eligible to return to the U.S. as a J-1 Professor or Research Scholar until September 1, 2027.
Important: The 24-month bar is not the same as the two-year home residency requirement under section 212(e).
In addition to the 24-month bar, J-1 regulations impose a 12-month bar on individuals beginning a new program in the Professor or Research Scholar category if they were present in any J status during the 12 months immediately before the start date of the new DS-2019.
The following exceptions apply to the 12-month bar:
If any portion of an exchange visitor’s time in J status occurred during the 12 months immediately preceding the start of a new Professor or Research Scholar program, the entire duration of the prior J program is counted.
If that prior J status lasted six months or more, the 12-month bar applies.
If you have questions about how a prior J-1 or J-2 status may affect future eligibility, you are encouraged to consult with OIP before pursuing a new J-1 program.