Quote Quoting flyingron
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Specifically visas in the H, L, or K series either.

As Mr. K says, the HRR time doesn't start running until you return home AFTER your J1 program is completed. Waivers are sometimes available (but generally for those who it is not possible to return home).
This is where i get confused all the time: J1 program and J1 status definitions... My initial J1 program (the Department of State sponsored Master's program) was a while ago. Instead of graduating back then i just transferred into a PhD program at the same University and as a PhD student i've been in renewed J1 status on the same grounds as any other graduate student, without the funding by Department of State. Absence of leave means i go out of status for whatever length of time i am absent... I would be able to get back in F1 status, right? So technically I would be done with my J1 program and status, once i am on absence of leave. Or am i still completely wrong here and i have to actually graduate to be able to start the HRR time? Thank you.