12-Month and 24-Month Bars for J-1 Scholars

The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program is designed to promote cultural and academic exchange. To support this purpose, certain rules- called “bars”- limit how often you can participate in specific J-1 categories.

These bars affect your ability to begin a new program as a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor after completing a previous J program.

Important Distinction

The 12-month and 24-month bars are not the same as the two-year home residency requirement (INA 212(e)).

The bars limit when you can start a new J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program
The 212(e) requirement limits eligibility for certain visas and immigration benefits

Both may apply to you, but they are separate rules.

12-Month Bar

You may be subject to a 12-month bar if:

You previously participated in a J program (other than Short-Term Scholar), and
Your program lasted more than 6 months

If the 12-month bar applies:

You must wait 12 months outside the United States before starting a new J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program

You are not subject to the 12-month bar if:

Your prior J program lasted 6 months or less, or
You were in the Short-Term Scholar category

24-Month Bar

You are subject to a 24-month bar if:

You previously participated in the J-1 Research Scholar or Professor category

If the 24-month bar applies:

You must wait 24 months outside the United States before starting another J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program

This bar applies regardless of how long you participated in the prior program.

How the Bars Apply by Category

The following table shows how the bars apply based on your previous J-1 category:

Previous Category	Program Length	Bar Applies?
J-1 Student (Degree or Non-Degree)	6 months or less	No bar
J-1 Student (Degree or Non-Degree)	More than 6 months	12-month bar
J-1 Research Scholar / Professor	Any length	24-month bar
J-1 Short-Term Scholar	Any length	No bar
J-1 Specialist	More than 6 months	12-month bar
J-2 Dependent (Research Scholar/Professor)	Any length	24-month bar
J-2 Dependent (other categories)	More than 6 months	12-month bar

Key Points to Remember

These bars only apply to starting a new J-1 Research Scholar or Professor program
Time spent in J-2 status may also count toward the bar
The bar begins after your SEVIS record becomes inactive and you depart the United States

Planning Ahead

Before starting a new J-1 program, you should:

Review your previous J-1 or J-2 history
Confirm your eligibility for the category you are requesting
Contact Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) if you are unsure