Time spent in the U.S. as a J-1 Exchange Visitor (EV) or J-2 dependent may temporarily affect eligibility for future J-1 status in the “Research Scholar” or “Professor” categories. These periods of ineligibility are referred to as the 24-month and 12-month “bars.”
The 24-month and 12-month bars apply only to individuals who have previously been in the U.S. in J status and wish to begin a new exchange visitor program in the categories of “Research Scholar” or “Professor.” Depending on the previous J category, an individual may be subject to a 12 month bar, a 24 month bar or have no bar at all.
- 24-month on Repeat Participation in Research Scholar/Professor Bar: J-1 Exchange Visitors (and their J-2 dependents) in the Professor or Research Scholar category are subject to the 24-month bar. This means that the exchange visitor will not be able to begin a new J-1 program as Professor or Research Scholar until 24 months after their current Professor or Research Scholar Program ends.
- 12-month on Research Scholar/Professor Bar: J-1 Exchange Visitors (and their J-2 dependents) in any J-1 category other than Professor or Research Scholar (e.g. Degree Student, Student Non-degree) for more than 6 months are subject to the 12-month bar. This means that the exchange visitor will not be able to begin a new J-1 program as Professor or Research Scholar until 12 months after their current J-1 program ends.
- IMPORTANT: The 12- and 24-month bars are NOT the same as the 212(e) Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement. For more information on the Two-Year Home Country Physical Presence Requirement please see https://ic.uci.edu/2-year-requirement/.