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The Messersmith Law Firm, P.A. J-1 Waivers and INA §212(e)
Interested Government Agency Waivers

Who Is Authorized to Sign an IGA Waiver Request?

The federal agency head or a properly designated official must sign the Interested Government Agency request.

Reviewed by Peter Messersmith · 2026-09-14

The agency head may sign

DOS states that the head of the interested federal agency may sign the IGA request.

The agency head may designate another official

A designee may also sign when properly authorized by the agency head.

DOS maintains designated-official information

DOS references a list of Interested Government Agency designated officials who have been identified as authorized signers.

The published list is not necessarily complete

DOS specifically notes that the list does not contain every federal agency and includes only information agencies have provided to the Waiver Review Division.

Legal Authorities and Sources

  1. U.S. Department of State — Request by an Interested U.S. Federal Government Agency
  2. U.S. Department of State — J-1 Waiver Eligibility
  3. U.S. Department of State — How to Apply for a J-1 Waiver

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any employee at the federal agency sign?

No. The request must be signed by the agency head or a properly authorized designee.

Is the DOS signer list exhaustive?

No. DOS states that it does not contain all federal agencies.

Can my federal project manager sign automatically?

Only if that person has the required authority to sign the agency's waiver request.

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