This blog contains information regarding U.S. immigration processing times, which is directly sourced from the USCIS Case Processing Times website. Our team manually checks and updates the data every month to ensure accuracy. Please note that the information and data shared in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always refer to the official USCIS website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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 | 12.5 Months |
| Application for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement | Vermont Service Center | 4 Weeks |
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 |
