Immigration and Nationality Act (INA): Primary federal legislation governing immigration law, particularly Section 212(e) which establishes the two-year home residency requirement for J-1 visa holders

Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961: Also known as the Fulbright-Hays Act, establishes the framework for educational and cultural exchange programs, including the J-1 visa program

22 CFR �� 41.63: Federal regulation detailing the two-year residence requirement for exchange visitors and waiver provisions

22 CFR �� 62: Comprehensive regulations governing the Exchange Visitor Program, including program requirements and compliance

8 CFR �� 212.7(c): Federal regulation outlining the processing procedures and requirements for J-1 waiver applications

State Department Foreign Affairs Manual: Official guidance document containing detailed procedures and policies for J-1 waiver processing by consular officers

No Objection Statement Requirements: Specific guidelines for obtaining a statement from the exchange visitor's home country government indicating no objection to waiving the two-year requirement

Persecution Waiver Guidelines: Requirements for demonstrating that the exchange visitor would face persecution based on race, religion, or political opinion if required to return home

Exceptional Hardship Criteria: Standards for proving exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or child if the exchange visitor must return home

Interested Government Agency Requirements: Guidelines for federal government agencies to request waivers based on program or project importance to their agencies

Conrad 30 Program Requirements: Specific guidelines for medical physicians seeking waivers through state health departments to work in medically underserved areas

HHS Guidelines: Health and Human Services department requirements for medical-related waiver applications

VA Requirements: Department of Veterans Affairs specific requirements for waivers involving employment at VA facilities

State-Specific Conrad 30 Regulations: Individual state health department requirements and procedures for Conrad 30 waiver applications

USCIS Policies: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services policies and procedures related to J-1 waiver processing and approval

International Agreements: Bilateral agreements between the United States and other countries affecting J-1 waiver processing and requirements