Does J-1 to F-1 Without Finishing Study Still Requires 2 Year Residency Rule
I entered US with a J-1 visa to study in school with scholarship from my own government. However in two months decided to drop school,leave US and went back home. After a month or two in my home country I applied for F-1 visa and entered US again for another school. Now I am about to finish my school and I will be applying for jobs. I believe I am eligible for OPT but my question is do I have to apply for a waiver even I stayed in US with J-1 only two months and did not finish my J-1 study. In regulation it usually says that "after completion of your study". Does that mean that unfinished studies are not subject to 2 year home residency. Any help will be appreciated.
Re: Does J-1 to F-1 Without Finishing Study Still Requires 2 Year Residency Rule
Assuming the two year home residency requirement applied to your original J1, that requirement would not prevent your subsequent F1 (a non-immigrant visa) but if you want to get an immigrant visa you would need a waiver. F1 OPT shouldn't be a problem, as it's not an immigrant status.