Bars to Repeat Participation

Time spent in the U.S. as a J-1 Exchange Visitor or J-2 dependent might impact eligibility for future J-1 status in the Research Scholar or Professor categories.

24-month Bar

To be eligible for future sponsorship as a research scholar or professor, they must show that they have not participated in and completed a J-1 professor or research scholar program within the 24 months before the start date of the new J program.

Exchange Visitors not subject to the 24-month bar could still be subject to the 12-month bar.

12-Month Bar

To be eligible for future sponsorship as a research scholar or professor, they must show that they have not participated in a J-visa program for all or part of the 12-month period immediately before the start date of a professor or research scholar program unless you meet one of the following exceptions:

• The participant is currently in a professor or research scholar program and is transferring to another institution in the United States to continue the current J-1 program;
• The participant’s prior physical presence in the U.S. on a J-visa program was less than six months in duration; or
• The prior participation was as a J-1 short-term scholar

J-2 Dependents

U.S. Department of States maintains that the bars also apply to J-2 dependents.