What is I-612 From
Before the J-1 holder applies for an immigrant visa, adjustment of status, or change of status(such as to the H-1b or L-1). They must leave the United States after completing their training and living abroad for at least two years, according to immigration law. J-1 and J-2 nonimmigrants who qualify may request a waiver of this requirement by submitting this application.
How Much Does Filing Fee Cost to File I-612
USCIS charges $930 for filing
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Where to File J-1 waiver
| If You Are Filing Form I-612 Because Of: | Mail Your Form To |
|---|---|
| Exceptional hardship to your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse or child; or If you believe that returning to your country of nationality or last residence would subject you to persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion | U.S. Postal Service (USPS): USCIS California Service Center I-612 Unit P.O. Box 30112 Laguna Niguel, CA 92607-0112 FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries: USCIS California Service Center 24000 Avila Rd. 2nd Floor, Room 2312 Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 |
| You received a request from an interested U.S. government agency; You received a written statement from your country of nationality or last foreign residence that it has no objection to the waiver; or A state’s Department of Public Health, or its equivalent, sent a request to the U.S. Department of State for you to work in a medically underserved area (Conrad Waiver Program) | Postal Service Department of State J-1 Waiver P.O. Box 979037 St. Louis, MO 63197-9000 Courier Service Department of State J-1 Waiver P.O. Box 979037 1005 Convention Plaza St. Louis, MO 63101-1200 |
Source: USCIS, Department of State
What is Processing Time for J-1 Waiver (I-612)
All processing data was collected by EZ485.
For USCIS Processing for J-1 Waiver:
| Category | Office | 80% of cases are completed within |
|---|---|---|
| Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement based on exceptional hardship or persecution | California Service Center | 10.5 Months |
| Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement | Vermont Service Center | 1.5 Months |
For the Department of State Processing Time for J-1 Waiver
| Waiver Basis | Estimate Processing Time |
|---|---|
| No Objection Statement | 12 to 16 weeks |
| Interested U.S. Federal Government Agency | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Persecution | 12 to 16 weeks |
| Exceptional Hardship | 36 to 52 weeks |
| State Public Health Department (Conrad State 30 Program) | 12 to 16 weeks |
| Advisory Opinion | 4 to 8 weeks |
