J1 Visa Waiver Attorney Fee - Is It a Wise Expense?
The reason I'm writing this blog is that I frequently receive questions from my readers about the J1 Visa Waiver Attorney Fee. If you are in search of the best J1 Visa Waiver Attorney due to being subject to the 2-year home residency requirement (212(e)) and requiring a J1 waiver, I want to assure you that hiring a qualified J1 Visa Waiver Attorney may not always be necessary.
Table of Contents: J1 Visa Waiver Attorney Fee
This post is specifically written for Indian J1 visa holders. However, I've also known many people from various countries who handled it themselves, but you are the right person to decide what you want to do, as everyone has different cases. I have already detailed the steps to obtain a J1 waiver in my blogs.
I will still share the list of known J1 visa lawyers who can help you with the J1 waiver application, but please read this article before you waste your hard-earned money.💰
Is the J1 Visa Waiver Attorney Fee Worth the Investment?
First of all, no matter which J1 waiver lawyer you hire or what the J1 visa waiver attorney fee is, you will still need to invest your own time in the process of obtaining a J1 waiver.
You have to go there yourself or send someone to government offices in India to get clearance certificates (No Objection Certificates). Even a qualified J1 waiver lawyer can't do this for you.
J1 visa waiver attorney fees are worth the expense if you have specific legal requirements. Lawyers will simply assist you with the J1 waiver application and review your documents (tasks you can do on your own).
J1 waiver paperwork is not as complex as filing for a green card (specifically EB1a), which requires thorough documentation and is a situation where you definitely need a lawyer.
Getting a J1 waiver is a time-consuming process, but a J1 visa waiver lawyer won't handle the essential physical work required to obtain the waiver.
Let me provide you with an example you're likely familiar with government offices in India, especially regional state offices. It's unlike a DMV appointment in the United States, where you can book a time or simply walk in. Well, the DMV isn't the best comparison, but I'm trying to paint a picture for you. DMV offices are often considered among the least welcoming places in the United States.
Related: How to expedite J1 waiver?
The J1 visa waiver attorney fee is high, and it will cost you a lot of bucks. Why not just save it for some good work? I have gone through the J1 waiver process myself, hence sharing my experience.
I'm not telling anyone to follow my path, but I'm offering some guidance because this process can get complicated. I'm not a lawyer, but I was a J-1 visa holder (a research scholar) who was subjected to the 2-year residency rule (just like you) and who went through this painful process without having to pay J1 visa waiver attorney fees.
OK, How to Obtain a J1 waiver?
Thank you for making up your mind and understanding. Hopefully, my blogs can help you save on J1 waiver attorney fees.
I am going to guide you through the end-to-end process for getting a J1 waiver and even help you with questions, or any doubts. I am already doing that with my published blogs, there are hundreds of people discussing like you, and helping each other. You can start from here.
J1 Waiver Processing Time
On a high level, there are three steps involved in obtaining a J1 waiver, and overall processing time is typically 1 to 1.5 years for India. Keep in mind that the J1 waiver processing time can differ, as it's hard to predict exact timings, but you can check out my timeline here for reference.
I've included links for each step. If you follow them, it can make getting your J1 waiver easier. Some folks ask me if they should hire a lawyer, and I usually say no. But it's really your call because each case is unique, and some might benefit from a lawyer. If your case has no complications, I hope this blog can assist you.
Steps | Summary | J1 Waiver Processing Time |
---|---|---|
Filling out the NORI (No Objection to Return to India) form, you can download those from your respective Consulate General of India (CGI) websites and get it notarized from UPS/banks. Along with supporting documents sent to your respective CGI, they will sign and stamp it provided all the documentation is correct. | 1 Week (I went to CGI San Francisco in person) | |
Getting no objection certificates from the following departments: 1. Regional passport office (RPO) 2. MHRD (Ministry of Human Resource and Development), this process is online 3. Department of Home State in India | 7 to 8 Months (I only needed clearance from MHRD & Department of Home State, Lucknow, UP) After Step 1 you will know which clearance you need. | |
Completing the DS-3035 form online and sending it to the Department of State (DOS) and your respective CGI | 4 to 5 Months |
Best J1 Waiver Lawyers
These are the best J1 visa waiver attorneys I am aware of, and you will find them reliable for their J1 visa waiver attorney fees and services.
Disclaimer: I'm not receiving any financial benefit💰or any other form of compensation for listing these lawyers' names. I'm sharing their names solely based on my personal experience.
Next: J1 Waiver - Introduction
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Hi all, I have some questions which are as follows: 1) Can we proceed to Stage 2 of J1-waiver with older passport information in Stage 1 documents?
2) Would like to know will it affect at stage 2 or 3 in this situation? 3) Looking forward for an advice if it is okay to proceed for stage 2 or redo the stage 1 process with new passport information.
For info, my J1 visa is in older cancelled passport.
Thanks in advance!
Alice
Hi all, It's been 2 months no updates in the USCIS site as Received, I sent my Stage 3 application second time also by courier and even after multiple email to DOS, no updates or reply. Does any one are in the same situation? kindly let me know to reach USCIS other than email.