14 thoughts on “The J1 Waiver Process for Indian Postdoctoral Fellows”
Does the attestation from the Indian consulate in the US read something like “Seen at Indian Consulate…Consulate does not take any responsibility for the contents of this form”?
The copies were “self notarized”. The forms attested by the Embassy / Consulate are enough. Infact the copies of certificates that I sent were scanned copies electronically so attestation was not possible.
I got all the NORI forms from state gov, passport office and HRD…(I have NORI now). What is the next step? I should have a H1B job,,,so that only I can convery my J1 to H1B?
My job (J1 visa) will end soon. My wife is having H1B job …so can I convert my J1 to H4? I am currently working at NIH. Please let me know. thanks.
Hi,
I am not an expert. You will be better of asking the DIS. But to the best of my knowledge changing from J1 to any other VISA type, especially if you were sponsored by NIH is next to impossible. The only way around is for you to get a job and find someone to sponsor your H1B. Even then NIH requires that the sponsorship be for 13 months! But this is what I remember and I could be wrong. DIS is your best bet. Hopefully this was useful.
Hi
I worked 3 years at NIH as J1 and nowt I am on J2 visa. I got job now with H1b offer.Please let me know what will be my statement of resin for DS3035 application for waiver.
Hi,
I know the most difficult part is getting NORI from three Indian offices. I have a question regarding that. Is there anyone who has contacted any agent (like passport agent) to get your NORI letter from either passport office or state govt? I have been browsing through many many blogs and all I find is that people generally send their attested letters (which they get from Indian consulate in US) to their family member or may be friends, and then they go to passport or state govt offices, and “give” whatever they demand. I am asking that, rather than family or friends, has anyone send the letter directly to a known agent and get the work done?
Well the “demands” depend on the officer in question. I do not think my parents paid anybody. But to the best of my knowledge there is no such agent at least in Pune passport office. I cannot comment on other offices. In the Maharashtra State Government office nobody even had to go an inquire, they sent out the clearance under 2 months by themselves.
Well, your mileage may differ. But to the best of my knowledge, if you ask in the DC Embassy office they will not give you the clearance till they see all three copies. Not that they have a record of all of the letters received. Even if they have received it and you have not, they can still stall you. It is best to have your own copies of the three clearances from India.
Pensieve 
Does the attestation from the Indian consulate in the US read something like “Seen at Indian Consulate…Consulate does not take any responsibility for the contents of this form”?
Thanks
Yes. It does.
Great, thanks.
I have one other question. When you submitted copies of various certificates and documents to the offices in India, did you have them notarized?
The copies were “self notarized”. The forms attested by the Embassy / Consulate are enough. Infact the copies of certificates that I sent were scanned copies electronically so attestation was not possible.
Perfect, phew.
Hello,
I got all the NORI forms from state gov, passport office and HRD…(I have NORI now). What is the next step? I should have a H1B job,,,so that only I can convery my J1 to H1B?
My job (J1 visa) will end soon. My wife is having H1B job …so can I convert my J1 to H4? I am currently working at NIH. Please let me know. thanks.
Hi,
I am not an expert. You will be better of asking the DIS. But to the best of my knowledge changing from J1 to any other VISA type, especially if you were sponsored by NIH is next to impossible. The only way around is for you to get a job and find someone to sponsor your H1B. Even then NIH requires that the sponsorship be for 13 months! But this is what I remember and I could be wrong. DIS is your best bet. Hopefully this was useful.
Hi
I worked 3 years at NIH as J1 and nowt I am on J2 visa. I got job now with H1b offer.Please let me know what will be my statement of resin for DS3035 application for waiver.
Hi,
The state of reason can be very small and generic, I think there is a link on the NIH DIS website about what the reason can be.
Hi,
I know the most difficult part is getting NORI from three Indian offices. I have a question regarding that. Is there anyone who has contacted any agent (like passport agent) to get your NORI letter from either passport office or state govt? I have been browsing through many many blogs and all I find is that people generally send their attested letters (which they get from Indian consulate in US) to their family member or may be friends, and then they go to passport or state govt offices, and “give” whatever they demand. I am asking that, rather than family or friends, has anyone send the letter directly to a known agent and get the work done?
Thanks in advance!
AJ
HI AJ,
Well the “demands” depend on the officer in question. I do not think my parents paid anybody. But to the best of my knowledge there is no such agent at least in Pune passport office. I cannot comment on other offices. In the Maharashtra State Government office nobody even had to go an inquire, they sent out the clearance under 2 months by themselves.
Hello Sameet,
I believe, now they need no objection from only 2/3 places you send in India. The Delhi one being compulsory!
Well, your mileage may differ. But to the best of my knowledge, if you ask in the DC Embassy office they will not give you the clearance till they see all three copies. Not that they have a record of all of the letters received. Even if they have received it and you have not, they can still stall you. It is best to have your own copies of the three clearances from India.