Some J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to spend two years in their home country before they are allowed to apply for a long-term stay in the U.S. The purpose of this requirement is to allow the home country of an exchange student to benefit from the Exchange Visitor's experiences and study in the U.S.

This requirement applies to J-1 Exchange Visitors who:

• Received financial assistance from a U.S. government agency or by the government of their home country or last legal permanent residence - this includes both partial payment and indirect financing (Typically, this restriction applies to funding allocated for educational exchange such as Fulbright grants.);
  
  
• Are from a country where their acquired skills are needed in their home country, as registered on the Exchange Visitor Skills List which is put out by the Department of State, or
  
  
• Came to the U.S. or acquired exchange visitor status in order to receive graduate medical education or training.