Repeat Participation Bar

24-Month Repeat Participation Bar

When a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor completes their program, they are not eligible for another program as a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor for 24 months. Policy prevents the issuance of a new DS-2019 for the Research Scholar or Professor category with a start date earlier than 24 months after the end date of your previous program. 

This bar also applies to dependents who entered the U.S. in J-2 status. It additionally prevents J-2 dependents in the Research Scholar or Professor category from changing to their own J-1 status in the Research Scholar or Professor category.

During the 24 months, you or your dependents can return to the U.S. in another J-1 category (i.e., Short-Term Scholar) or another immigration status (e.g. H-1B).

The 24-Month Repeat Participation Bar is different from the “Two-Year (‘Home’) Residency Requirement” 212(e). The 12-Month Bar is only pertinent to a previous status in the J Student and the J Intern categories longer than six months.

An additional restriction exists for anyone who has previously been in another J-1 or J-2 category and is seeking to use the Research Scholar category. If you were in any J category (other than Research Scholar) for more than six months, you are ineligible for the Research Scholar category until a year has passed after the end of your previous J program.