How Long Does a J-1 No Objection Waiver Take?

The current DOS instructions estimate waiver application processing at approximately 6 to 10 weeks after the case is complete.

A No Objection case does not receive a separate published processing clock merely because the waiver basis is relatively straightforward.

DOS advises applicants to request the No Objection Statement from the home-country government after the DS-3035 process generates the waiver case number.

The case number helps DOS match the government statement to the applicant's waiver record.

The No Objection Statement must be transmitted through the official government channel. Depending on the country, the statement may come from the embassy in Washington or through a designated ministry and the U.S. Embassy.

The 6-to-10-week estimate should therefore be measured from completion of the DOS file, not simply from the date the applicant mailed the DS-3035 materials.

DOS states that updates for third-party supporting documents can take at least three to four weeks to appear in the online status system.

A No Objection Statement that does not immediately appear as received should first be checked against the government transmission date and the DOS intake window.

A home government may issue a No Objection Statement even when the exchange program involved government funding, but the existence of the statement does not guarantee a favorable DOS recommendation.

DOS states that U.S. government-funded waiver recommendation applications are generally denied because of program and foreign-policy considerations.

If DOS issues a favorable recommendation, the recommendation is forwarded to USCIS.

The DOS processing estimate does not include the later USCIS final decision.