In a big replace for worldwide students, physicians, researchers, and change program individuals, the U.S. Department of State has launched a 60-day public discover inviting suggestions on its J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application course of (Form DS-3035). This improvement alerts potential adjustments to the J-1 waiver process, which impacts hundreds of candidates in search of exemption from the obligatory two-12 months overseas residency requirement.
What’s the Update?
The discover, titled “60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application”, was formally revealed within the Federal Register on May 14, 2025, underneath Public Notice 12730.
The State Department is at present requesting public feedback on their proposed revisions to Form DS-3035, which is utilized by J-1 visa holders making use of for a waiver of Section 212(e) — the rule that requires some J-1 visa holders to return home for 2 years earlier than making use of for an additional U.S. visa or everlasting residency.
Fast Facts: J-1 Waiver Application Process Review
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Form | DS-3035 – J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application |
| Agency | U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs |
| Change Type | Revision of Currently Approved Collection |
| OMB Control Number | 1405-0135 |
| Estimated Respondents | 14,150 yearly |
| Estimated Time Per Response | 1 hour |
| Total Burden | 14,150 hours/12 months |
| Submission Method | Online through J Visa Waiver Portal |
Why Public Comments Matter?
The Department of State is actively in search of public enter to:
- Assess if the data being collected is vital and helpful.
- Improve readability and ease-of-use for candidates.
- Explore extra environment friendly or digital strategies to scale back applicant burden.
- Ensure accuracy in estimating time and price for finishing the application.
If you’re a present or former J-1 visa holder, an immigration legal professional, or a college or medical establishment sponsor, that is your probability to form how the waiver course of works sooner or later.
How to Submit Your Comment?
You can submit your remark earlier than July 14, 2025, within the following methods:
Include the shape quantity (DS-3035), data assortment title, and OMB management quantity in your message.
By Mail:
Senior Regulatory Coordinator, Visa Services
Department of State
600 nineteenth St. NW
Washington, DC 20006.
Note: Comments submitted are public information — keep away from together with delicate private data.
What Is the J-1 Visa Waiver All About?
Certain J-1 visa holders (corresponding to overseas medical graduates or change researchers) are topic to the two-12 months home-country bodily presence requirement. This means they should return home for 2 (02) years earlier than they will apply for sure U.S. visas or inexperienced playing cards, except they’re granted a J-1 waiver. Form DS-3035 is the important application to start that waiver course of.
What Could Change?
While the precise revisions to Form DS-3035 are usually not detailed on this discover, the general public suggestions will affect:
- How questions are worded
- What documentation is required
- How digital or automated instruments could also be built-in
- Timelines and applicant expertise.
️ Deadline to Submit Comments: July 14, 2025.
U.S. J-1 Visa Waiver Process Open to Public Feedback: Deadline July 14, 2025 FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
