i would love to know, if one wants to come back to the States after finishing the 2 year home country residency, how should he proceed ?
Once you go home, make sure to create a little file named 'proof of me being back' in which you collect photocopies of evidence of the fact that you actually remained in your home country. In the US this would be things like utility bills, pay-stubs, tax records, credit card statements etc. Depending on the country you are from this can also be items like your registration with the civil authorities or rental records.
If you want to return after the 2 years, you will have to find a way (other than another J1) to obtain working papers here:
- As mentioned, an H1b visa would often be a good start. If you did research on your J1 and you are able to secure employment with a university, your h1b will be exempt from the dreaded 'cap'.
- Another option can be an O-1 visa, particularly if you have a strong research background.
- If you find employment with a multinational company, you can come back on a L1 visa.
- If you are canadian, you can get a TN visa.
- If you find an employer who is really interested in you, you could return on an immigrant visa. The employer would have to get a 'labor certification' for you (3 months) and an approved immigrant petition (6-9 months). After that, you have to go through a prescribed process at the local consulate which usually takes another 6 months or so. So this option is only going to work if you get it started before you even leave for your 2 year home stint and only works if an employer wants you for who you are more than for a particular skill-set.
- If you have a strong research background, you could try to file for one of the 'extraordinary ability' or 'national interest waiver' category green-cards. If you self-file, the cost is minimal. Within the 2 years you are going to know whether they approved it.
- Another visa which allows you to return is a F-1 student visa. This can be a good temporary fix if you haven't found a job to sponsor a H1b or O1 visa yet. After you enter, you have to wait for a month or two before you can go on interviews. If you find a job which can sponsor a work visa, you an file for a change in status (or adjustment of status in the case of a green-card).