How to File a J-1 waiver Application based on Interested Government Agency? J1 waiver, IGA J1 Waiver, File a J-1 waiver Application, Interested Government Agency

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How to File a J-1 Waiver Application based on Interested Government Agency?

Hi William,

I am a J-1 visa holder and want to obtain an “agency request“ J-1 waiver. Do I have to be employed in a U.S. government agency to file the agency request J-1 waiver? and what are the other J-1 waiver options?

Answer,

To file a U.S. Agency Requested (Interested Government Agency - IGA) J-1 waiver, you must first secure sponsorship from a federal agency or state health department (Conrad 30), file Form DS-3035 online with the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and have the agency send a request letter to the DOS. The DOS sends a recommendation to USCIS for final approval.

If a U.S. government agency believe that the J- visa exchange visitor's departure would be detrimental to a program or activity of interest to the U.S. government agency, it may request a J-1 waiver on behalf of the alien visitor. The J-1 exchange visitor can be employed by either a private employer or a U.S. government agency.

To identify the agency: determine which U.S. federal agency (e.g., Health and Human Services, Department of Energy, National Science Foundation) or state public health department will sponsor your waiver request based on public interest.

Then complete the J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application (Form DS-3035) online to generate a barcode and case number.