24-Month & 12-Month Participation Bar

24-month Participation Bar

Exchange visitors who participate as J-1 Professors or Research Scholars are restricted to a 24-month bar on “repeat participation” in the same categories after completing their program. The 24-month bar becomes effective whether or not the Professor or Research Scholar uses part or all their allowable time (3 weeks to 5 years) under these categories. Thus if a participant leaves or completes their program (becomes inactive in SEVIS) before the five year limit, they become subject to the bar.

The 24-month bar is a different regulation from the 212(e) home residency requirement. The 24-month bar does not require exchange visitors to remain in the home country for two years and it does not prevent them from returning to the U.S. in another J-1 category (e.g. short term scholar, student) or eligible immigration status (e.g. H-1B visa, permanent resident).

12-month Participation Bar

Individuals interested in an exchange visitor program as J-1 Professors or Research Scholars are not eligible to use these categories for a 12-month period if they were on a J-1 or J-2 visa for more than six months in the previous year. The 12-month participation bar does not apply to time spent in the U.S as J-1 short-term scholars or to J-1 visa holders that are transferring to or from UCF.

Becoming Subject to the Bar

Prospective J-1 Professors or Research Scholars who are subject to the 24-month participation bar cannot additionally be subject to the 12-month bar or vice-versa.

Dependents and Participation Bars

When either the 12-month or the 24-month bar is placed on the principle J-1 visa holder, the J-2 dependent(s) also become subject to the participation bar.