I will be an exchange visitor using a J visa. What is the physical presence requirement?
The intent of the requirement is to have the home country benefit from the exchange visitor’s experience in the United States. Exchange visitors come to this country for a specific objective such as a program of study or a research project. The requirement is intended to prevent a participant who is subject from staying longer than necessary for the objective, and to ensure that he or she will spend at least two years in the home country before coming back to the United States for a long-term stay. If you are subject to the requirement, until you have “resided and have been physically present” for a total of two years in either your country of nationality or your country of legal permanent residence, you are not eligible for: • An H, L, or immigrant visa, or for H, L, or immigrant status in the United States. H classification includes temporary workers, trainees, and their dependents. L classification includes intra-company transferees and their dependents. An immigrant is the same as
