I-612 J1 Hardship Waiver Successful Case: Overcoming the Two-Year Home Country Requirement

Our client, a Fulbright scholar from Norway, faced a significant challenge due to the two-year home country requirement under 212(E). While in the U.S., he met and married his wife, who suffers from anxiety and minor depression. She is employed and attending university in the U.S. If he had to return to Norway to fulfill his two-year requirement, it would have caused considerable hardship for his wife in various aspects of her life.

Upon taking the case, we collaborated closely with our clients to meticulously document the hardships and gather supporting evidence. Our comprehensive approach convinced USCIS of the significant hardship, resulting in a favorable recommendation to the State Department. Both the State Department and the Fulbright program concurred with our assessment and approved the waiver.

Contrary to common belief, it is not necessary to have a U.S. citizen child to obtain a hardship waiver. Although the J1 hardship waiver is notoriously difficult to secure, we have successfully obtained approvals for many clients, including Fulbright scholars.

If you need assistance with a similar case, please contact us at 305-515-0613 or info@messersmithlaw.com. We are here to help.

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