P.I moves to second university while still affiliated with the first one. Inquiring about second research location after J1 2 years rule waiver approval

[Lucamora 0]

Hello,

I am currently on my 4th year of J1 with a valid DS2019 with the university A until the natural expiration of my J1 at the end of the 5th year. 
 

I recently got a favorable waiver rec commendation from both DOS and USCIS. 
 

My PI will move to university B and wants me to go there keeping my DS untouched from its current affiliation from university A. My contract is also still valid from university A since getting paid by them. No transfer will be done to university B since aware about my I-140 pending and waiver approval, so I will still work for university A. 
 

kn top of that he would like also to increase my salary. 
 

do you think that, despite my DS and my contract are untouched with university A, can me going as temporary visiting to university B cause a treat to my J1 waiver approval?

[Boiler 46,368]

I need a translation.

[Lucamora 0]

Sorry I wrote the thread from my phone and the auto-corrector created a disaster.

I can try to explain it better.
 

I am currently in the fourth year of my J-1 status with a valid DS-2019 issued by [University A], which remains valid until the natural expiration of my J-1 at the end of the fifth year.

Recently, I received a favorable waiver recommendation from both the DOS and USCIS.

My PI is moving to [University B] and would like me to work there temporarily while keeping my DS-2019 and official affiliation with [University A] unchanged. My contract with [University A] remains valid, as I continue to be paid by them, and no formal transfer to [University B] will take place due to my pending I-140 and waiver approval.

Additionally, my PI intends to increase my salary.

Given that my DS-2019 and contract remain unchanged with [University A], could my temporary visit to [University B] pose any risk to my J-1 waiver approval?

[Rocio0010 5,680]

1 hour ago, Lucamora said:

PI

?

 

Regardless of what "PI" means, you need to work with your ISO from both universities and consult with an immigration attorney

[Lucamora 0]

P.I means Principal Investigator, basically the Professor. 

[Sinead91 251]

On 2/28/2025 at 9:33 AM, Lucamora said:

Sorry I wrote the thread from my phone and the auto-corrector created a disaster.

I can try to explain it better.
 

I am currently in the fourth year of my J-1 status with a valid DS-2019 issued by [University A], which remains valid until the natural expiration of my J-1 at the end of the fifth year.

Recently, I received a favorable waiver recommendation from both the DOS and USCIS.

My PI is moving to [University B] and would like me to work there temporarily while keeping my DS-2019 and official affiliation with [University A] unchanged. My contract with [University A] remains valid, as I continue to be paid by them, and no formal transfer to [University B] will take place due to my pending I-140 and waiver approval.

Additionally, my PI intends to increase my salary.

Given that my DS-2019 and contract remain unchanged with [University A], could my temporary visit to [University B] pose any risk to my J-1 waiver approval?

 

What is the basis for your 212E requirement? Government funding or visitor's skills list?

 

I don't see it being an issue. We have had employees with similar situations. We did have a signed memorandum on file outlining the collaboration between the two sites (our category is Research Scholar). Since the basis of the J-1 is to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration within the scientific community (in this context), I dont think it's a problem.

 

You said you already received a favorable recommendation, has it gone to USCIS for approval? In that case, there is nothing to worry about. You just need to have your waiver in hand for an H1B petition.

 

[Lucamora 0]

Hello, 

thank you for your exhaustive response. 
My category is research scholar, professor and I was subject to the 212e because I received gov funding from my home country. The rule has been waived through NO Obj statement from my home government and I have already received all the documents from USCIS stating a favorable approval (the free document with lady liberty where it’s written on top action notification).

I would like just to do a clean transition from J1 to H1B next year and finally to GC since I have also already received an approved I140. In my case I made it sure that no new DS will be created and I’ll keep the actual one valid until it’s normal expiration next year, in order to not create issues with the waiver approval. 
I hope that not changing the DS, even if I have to do research for some time in a second place, does not compromise my status. 
 

best, 

[Sinead91 251]

11 hours ago, Lucamora said:

Hello, 

thank you for your exhaustive response. 
My category is research scholar, professor and I was subject to the 212e because I received gov funding from my home country. The rule has been waived through NO Obj statement from my home government and I have already received all the documents from USCIS stating a favorable approval (the free document with lady liberty where it’s written on top action notification).

I would like just to do a clean transition from J1 to H1B next year and finally to GC since I have also already received an approved I140. In my case I made it sure that no new DS will be created and I’ll keep the actual one valid until it’s normal expiration next year, in order to not create issues with the waiver approval. 
I hope that not changing the DS, even if I have to do research for some time in a second place, does not compromise my status. 
 

best, 

I would recommend having a MOU (memorandum of understanding / formal collaboration letter for your own records in case, but i don't see it affecting or impacting your J1 or your approval.