Question Regarding J1 Residency Waiver Process

[waealu 0]

Hello,

This summer, my wife applied for a waiver to the J1 2-Year Residency requirement (on the basis of no objection). A favorable recommendation was granted on September 20, 2013 and was forwarded to USCIS. However, since then, we have not heard an update.

Last week, I contacted my senator to have his office look into the status of the case. This was the response they received from USCIS:

“Thank you for your inquiry regarding the J-1 Waiver of Foreign Residency issue presented by your constituent. Upon receiving a “No objection” letter from the Department of State, she should file form I-612, Application for Waiver of Foreign Residency Requirement, with USCIS. The California Service Center will process this form. Both the form I-612 and its filing instructions may be found on our website, www.uscis.gov.”

From my understanding, we didn't need to file I-612 for a no-objection waiver. Do we need to file with form (along with the $585 fee)?

Thank you

[David & Diana R 1,005]

IMHO they do not mean they are waiving the filing of the I-612. What I think they mean is they are now ready for you to file the I-612 and send the money. If I were you I would get this form completed and sent off with a proper check ASAP, before they change their minds. I would also include a copy of the letter you refer to.