Many J1 visa holders must spend two years in their home country after their program ends. This rule, called the two-year home residency requirement, can prevent you from staying in the United States or applying for a green card. However, the law allows for waivers in certain situations. One of the most important is the persecution waiver. If you face a real risk of persecution based on your race, religion, or political opinion, you may qualify for this waiver
Our client from Egypt feared returning home because of political beliefs. We worked closely to gather evidence that showed the risk was real and specific. The evidence included news articles, personal statements, and reports from human rights organizations. We also documented how the government in Egypt targets people with similar backgrounds. This evidence helped prove that our client would face danger if forced to return.
To start the process, our client filed Form I-612 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). We made sure all documents were complete and organized. We also included a detailed personal statement and supporting letters from family and community members. After submitting the application, we tracked the case and responded quickly to any requests for more information.
Processing times for J1 persecution waivers can range from six months to over a year. During this period, we kept our client informed and prepared for each step. In the end, USCIS approved the waiver, allowing our client to stay in the United States and avoid the risks back home.
If you believe you face persecution, you should act quickly and gather strong evidence. Present your story honestly and clearly. A well-prepared application can make the difference. Watch our video to see the full story and get practical tips for your own J1 persecution waiver case.