J1 visa

[anaareia]

I graduated in the US 2006 (B.A.), got my OPT in 2007 and went back home in 2008 to work (Brazil).
Am legible to apply to the J1 now (dec2014/ 34 years old) and transfer to H1B the year after?
Thank you

 

[Lucy Furrer]

If you want to get H1b, it's better not to apply for J-1, because certain J-1 are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement which requires you to return to your home country for at least two years at the end of your J-1 program. In that case you cannot get H1b unless you get a J-1 waiver.

 

[anaareia]

Thank you so much for your attention. So from what I understood I can waive the 2yrs by paying a fee (U$215), is it correct?
Does this apply for any country? (Brazil) I am just asking that cause the company wants me to start working now and the HB1 only opens in April.