2 year home stay rule - UK

[efc 1]

Has anyone here from the UK been on a J1 visa with the 2year homestay rule box checked on your DS-2019.

I was teaching in the USA from July 2008-June 2009 (that's how I met my fiance)

I noticed that on my DS-2019 the consulate at my J1 interview in May 2008 had checked the box that says I am subject to the home stay rule.

I contacted my previous employer (j1 sponsor) and they told me that the UK is not one of the countries that is listed on the 2 year rule.

She said that I should have no problems but if worried I can apply for an Advisory Opinion. I have done everything she said, but am worried that it wont be done in time for my interview? We are hoping my interview will be soon as we have everything on the checklist so are just waiting for packet 4 (appointment) to come.

I would like some advice please - should I not go to the interview until I receive something back about the advisory opinion, or should I go anyway and see what happens. I am kind of thinking that it was the consulate in London's fault in the first place for checking the box when they shouldn't have.

Also, do you think I will have any problems due to the following situation. Whilst in the US on my J1 I went on vacation to the bahamas. I forgot to take my ds-2019 so when trying to enter back into the US in April 2009 they put me on a 30 day only visa and told me to send all my documents off. I did everything they said and all was fine, I got my J1 back fine. I just want to know if there is anything else I need to do or what to expect from the consulate.

I am getting really nervous about the interview, even though we don't have a date, but it has been such a long journey so far I am ready for it to be over!!

Thanks for the website and everyone who can help!

[Audy_Rob 26]

I would like some advice please - should I not go to the interview until I receive something back about the advisory opinion, or should I go anyway and see what happens. I am kind of thinking that it was the consulate in London's fault in the first place for checking the box when they shouldn't have.

You need to read ALL of the links from the DoS web site regarding the J-1 and obtaining a waiver.

When your fiance(e) filed the I-129F with the USCIS this should have been caught if there is an issue.

1) What does it say on the J-1 Visa in your passport.

2) Usually the USCIS wants to see the DS-2019 which is issued at the sponsoring institution over just the Visa in the passport.

3) Normally the process is to file with the DoS for a no-objection letter which constitutes a waiver to the 2 year HRR which it seems applies to you.

I have never heard of England being exempt from the J-1 HRR.