Can You Stay in the U.S. After Fulbright? Here’s What You Need to Know

Completing a Fulbright grant is an incredible milestone. After immersing yourself in research, teaching, or studying in the United States, you might start wondering: What’s next? Can you stay in the U.S. after Fulbright? The short answer is, “It’s complicated.” Let me walk you through what I’ve learned about the rules, options, and what might be possible.

The Two-Year Home Residency Rule:

One of the biggest hurdles for Fulbright scholars is the “two-year home residency requirement.” If you’re on a J-1 visa (which most Fulbright participants are), this rule means you have to return to your home country for a cumulative two years before you can apply for certain U.S. visas, like the H-1B (work visa), L (intra-company transferee), or even a green card.

Why this rule? Fulbright’s mission is to promote international exchange, and the idea is that scholars bring the skills and knowledge they’ve gained back home to make a difference in their countries. It’s part of what makes Fulbright special—but it also makes staying in the U.S. after the program tricky.

Transferring Your J-1 Visa Sponsorship:

In some cases, Fulbright scholars can transfer their J-1 visa sponsorship to another program. This usually happens when the scholar has an exceptional opportunity, like a follow-up research project or a teaching position that aligns with Fulbright’s mission. But here’s the catch:

• The new opportunity must be fully funded by non-Fulbright sources.
• The transfer needs approval from the Fulbright Office in your home country.

So, while it’s possible, it’s not something that happens easily or frequently.

Can You Get a Waiver for the Two-Year Rule?

Yes, it’s possible to apply for a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement, but don’t expect it to be easy. Here are some common reasons waivers are granted:

• No Objection Statement: Your home country’s government provides a formal statement saying they don’t mind if you stay in the U.S.
• Persecution: You can prove that returning to your home country would put you at risk of persecution.
• Exceptional Hardship: If returning home would cause significant hardship to your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or child.

Even if you qualify for one of these waivers, it’s not a guaranteed approval. Both the Fulbright Program and the U.S. Department of State need to sign off on it, and the process can be lengthy.

Other Visa Options:

If a waiver isn’t on the table, some Fulbright scholars explore alternative visa options. For example:

• Student Visa (F-1): You could apply to pursue another degree in the U.S. This requires switching to an F-1 student visa.
• Specialized Work Visas: Some work visas might still be available, but only if they don’t conflict with the two-year residency rule.

Keep in mind that even if you switch visas, the two-year home residency requirement doesn’t go away. It’s still hanging over your head until you fulfill it or get a waiver.

Should You Plan to Return Home?

For most Fulbright scholars, the safest bet is to plan to return home after completing the grant. While it might feel limiting, this period can be a great time to apply what you’ve learned, build connections, and prepare for future opportunities—whether they’re at home or abroad.

Final Thoughts

Staying in the U.S. after a Fulbright grant is possible, but it’s not straightforward. Between the two-year home residency requirement, the waiver process, and limited visa options, you’ll need to plan carefully and weigh your options.

If you’re thinking about your next steps, I’d recommend consulting with immigration experts or your Fulbright Program advisors to make the best decision for your situation.

Remember, the Fulbright experience is all about growth, exchange, and making an impact—whether that’s in the U.S., your home country, or somewhere else entirely. Whatever path you choose, embrace it fully, and keep building on the incredible foundation Fulbright has given you.