U.S. J-1 Visa Waiver Process Open to Public Feedback: Deadline July 14, 2025
In a significant update for international scholars, physicians, researchers, and exchange program participants, the U.S. Department of State has released a 60-day public notice inviting feedback on its J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application process (Form DS-3035). This development signals potential changes to the J-1 waiver procedure, which affects thousands of applicants seeking exemption from the mandatory two-year foreign residency requirement.
What’s the Update?
The notice, titled “60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application”, was officially published in the Federal Register on May 14, 2025, under Public Notice 12730.
The State Department is currently requesting public comments on their proposed revisions to Form DS-3035, which is used by J-1 visa holders applying for a waiver of Section 212(e) — the rule that requires some J-1 visa holders to return home for two years before applying for another U.S. visa or permanent residency.
Fast Facts: J-1 Waiver Application Process Review
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected Form | DS-3035 – J-1 Visa Waiver Recommendation Application |
| Agency | U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs |
| Change Type | Revision of Currently Approved Collection |
| OMB Control Number | 1405-0135 |
| Estimated Respondents | 14,150 annually |
| Estimated Time Per Response | 1 hour |
| Total Burden | 14,150 hours/year |
| Submission Method | Online via J Visa Waiver Portal |
Why Public Comments Matter?
The Department of State is actively seeking public input to:
- Assess if the information being collected is necessary and useful.
- Improve clarity and ease-of-use for applicants.
- Explore more efficient or digital methods to reduce applicant burden.
- Ensure accuracy in estimating time and cost for completing the application.
If you’re a current or former J-1 visa holder, an immigration attorney, or a university or medical institution sponsor, this is your chance to shape how the waiver process works in the future.
How to Submit Your Comment?
You can submit your comment before July 14, 2025, in the following ways:
- Online: Visit www.regulations.gov, and search for Docket Number: DOS-2025-0007 → Click “Comment Now”.
- Email: Send feedback to:
[email protected]
Include the form number (DS-3035), information collection title, and OMB control number in your message.
By Mail:
Senior Regulatory Coordinator, Visa Services
Department of State
600 19th St. NW
Washington, DC 20006.
Note: Comments submitted are public records — avoid including sensitive personal information.
What Is the J-1 Visa Waiver All About?
Certain J-1 visa holders (such as foreign medical graduates or exchange researchers) are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement. This means they must return home for two (02) years before they can apply for certain U.S. visas or green cards, unless they are granted a J-1 waiver. Form DS-3035 is the essential application to begin that waiver process.
What Could Change?
While the exact revisions to Form DS-3035 are not detailed in this notice, the public feedback will influence:
- How questions are worded
- What documentation is required
- How digital or automated tools may be integrated
- Timelines and applicant experience.
️ Deadline to Submit Comments: July 14, 2025.
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