J-1 EV 12 and 24-Month Bars
The 12 and 24-month bars are J-1 Exchange Visitor program restrictions that limit certain individuals previously in J-1 or J-2 status from beginning a new Exchange Visitor program in the categories of Research Scholar* and Professor*.
12-month bar Heading link
The 12-month bar prohibits an individual from beginning a new Exchange Visitor program in the Research Scholar or Professor categories for twelve months, if they were previously in J status for more than six of the previous twelve months in any category except for Short-Term Scholar*. This restriction typically affects previous J-1 Students* and Student Interns*.
Example: If you were a J-1 EV Student for the past few years, you would not be able to start a J-1 EV Research Scholar program until at least 12 months had passed from the end date of the J-1 EV Student program in SEVIS.
24-month bar Heading link
The 24-month bar prohibits an individual from beginning a new EV program in the Research Scholar or Professor categories for 24 months, if they were previously a Research Scholar or Professor. Please note that the 24-month bar is distinct from the Two-Year Home Residency Requirement. All Research Scholars and Professors are subject to the 24-month bar upon completion of their EV program and there is no ability to waive this restriction.
Example: If you are currently a UIC J-1 Research Scholar and you leave your program now, or at the end of the 5-year maximum, you will not be able to join another institution as a J-1 Research Scholar or Professor until you have a 24-month break in-between programs.
J-2 dependents Heading link
J-2 dependents are subject to the same post-program restrictions based on the category of the primary J-1 EV. However, J-2 dependents should refer to their own most recent DS-2019 program end date to determine the start of the waiting period.