J1 to G4

[klmn1789]

Hello,

I worked as a Research Assistant over 3 years ago while on J-1 visa, then changed to F1 to pursue graduate studies.

I have recently graduated and am currently on OPT, but have just found a job in an International Organization.

My questions are:

1. Can I start working on OPT, THEN switch to G4, or will I HAVE to apply for a G-4 visa right away?

2. Can I apply for a G-4 visa without having previously statisfied the 2-year home country requirement?

Thank you in advance for your help,

[Mr. Knowitall]

You can work for a qualifying job under OPT until your training period expires. If you're planning to keep the job after that time, my preference would be to apply for a G-4.

Assuming this job is with the government of your nation of origin, if they want to hire you I don't think you would have any difficulty getting them to issue you a No Objection Statement (NOS) to waive the two-year foreign residency requirement. (More details here.)