Two year rule and exceptions

[jayan77]

Dear all,
i entered US with one year visa for my postdoc (after PhD) position in medical school. The visa given was for one year. After 5 months i couldnot continue and i lost my job. I could not get into a new job as visa ristricted me to do research only in particular dept. (Subject/field code: 60.0234) and international student office didnot approve this.

In my visa, they have mentioned two year rule does apply to me. But since my programme ended abruptly within 6 months, am i eligible to re-enter US with fresh VISA/DS-2019?

Sincerely,
Jayan.

 

[pk_net]

The 2-year rule still applies; however, you can apply for another J1 or any visas other than H/L/K. The 2-year rule is not cumulative, so, at the end, you just have to be back in your home country for two years regardless of how many J1 visas you have.

 

[jayan77]

Thanks for the information.
But the international student office here in MI says that once i am out of US, i cannot enter US in any category of visa for the next two years...will the immigration dept can be contacted in this regard?

Regards,
Jayan.

 

[pk_net]

Thanks for the information.
But the international student office here in MI says that once i am out of US, i cannot enter US in any category of visa for the next two years...will the immigration dept can be contacted in this regard?

Regards,
Jayan.

I have held 3 J1 visas, all with 2-year rule. I did not have any problems entering the US as B1/B2 (tourist) while the 2-year rule was still in effect.
Even with the 2-year rule, you can still get other types of visa except H/L/K. The caveat is that you cannot change the status from within the US (as indicated on the back of the DS-2019). You have to exit, then enter again.

The formal details of the 2-year rule is on the back of your DS-2019 and http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html#15. If you want more info, you can try contacting the Dept of State. Keep in mind, not a lot of people know about the details of J1 visa.