Hi, I want to share my J1 waiver timeline because I understand the feeling of waiting!
- Apr 7– Document received by Dept. of State Waiver Review Division
- Apr 8– NOS sent by home embassy to Dept. of State Waiver
- Apr 23 – Document appears on the system (~2 weeks)
- Apr 24 – Dept. of State requests additional documents /RFE
- Apr 24 – Sent requested docs: approved H-1B lottery confirmation + company sponsor letter (digital copy PDF via email as directed)
- Apr 27 – Dept. of State confirmed receipt of additional documents by email
- Apr 27 – Received notification that Dept. of State recommended to USCIS that the exchange visitor be granted a waiver
- Apr 29/30– Received I-797C Notice of Action from USCIS by mail (case received)
- May 1– Waiver approved (I-612) informed on the system
- May 4 – Received I-612 by mail
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Lessons learned (hope this helps someone!):
- I only submitted what was listed in the requirements initially; nothing extra.
- Statement of reason: I kept it short , just one sentence stating that I have consent from my home country for this waiver. Nothing fancy.
- Clarify your post-waiver plan: Specify which visa you're seeking and/or whether your employer has offered to sponsor you. Send this as additional information so they know your plan. If you have an H-1B lottery confirmation, include it, send it proactively.
Good luck to everyone navigating this process! This community helped me so much and I hope this timeline helps someone going through the same thing.