Hello,
I am currently in F1 status and doing Ph.D. Before starting Ph.D. 6 years ago I had J1 status and have 2-year home residency rule.
I got a job offer from a university starting from September 2005. I heard that as long as I prove that I stayed in my home country for 2 years (which does not have to be consecutive) over the past 6 years, I could go free of this 2-year-home requirement. Is that right? If so, in order to get F-1 OPT or H1B visa, what do I need to do after getting the document showing that I spent about 2 years in my home country? where do i need to apply? Do I still need to get a waiver?
If I am short of some time to meet the 2-year requirement, can I go back to my home country and stay there until my two-year time is up, if i am holding F1 OPT?
Suppose I first apply for an H1-B status. If I am rejected, can i still aplly for F1-OPt?
many thanks
I am currently in F1 status and doing Ph.D. Before starting Ph.D. 6 years ago I had J1 status and have 2-year home residency rule.
I got a job offer from a university starting from September 2005. I heard that as long as I prove that I stayed in my home country for 2 years (which does not have to be consecutive) over the past 6 years, I could go free of this 2-year-home requirement. Is that right? If so, in order to get F-1 OPT or H1B visa, what do I need to do after getting the document showing that I spent about 2 years in my home country? where do i need to apply? Do I still need to get a waiver?
If I am short of some time to meet the 2-year requirement, can I go back to my home country and stay there until my two-year time is up, if i am holding F1 OPT?
Suppose I first apply for an H1-B status. If I am rejected, can i still aplly for F1-OPt?
many thanks