Can a Ministry Issue a J-1 No Objection Statement Instead of the Embassy?
DOS recognizes two governmental transmission routes: issuance through the home-country embassy in Washington, D.C., or issuance by a designated ministry routed through the U.S. Embassy in the foreign country.
Primary route: embassy in Washington
The most common route is for the relevant foreign government's embassy in Washington, D.C. to issue the No Objection Statement and send it directly to the Waiver Review Division.
Alternative route: designated ministry
DOS also permits a designated ministry of the foreign government to issue the statement.
The ministry does not send it to the applicant
Under the ministry route, the ministry sends the statement to the U.S. Chief of Mission, Consular Section, at the U.S. Embassy in that country. The U.S. Embassy forwards it to the Waiver Review Division.
The substance of the statement remains the same
Regardless of the route, the foreign government must communicate the required lack of objection to both nonfulfillment of the two-year requirement and possible U.S. permanent residence.
Embassy Route vs. Ministry Route
| Route | Who issues the statement | How it reaches DOS |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy route | The home country's embassy in Washington, D.C. | A designated embassy official sends the No Objection Statement directly to the Department of State Waiver Review Division. |
| Ministry route | A designated ministry of the foreign government | The ministry sends the statement to the U.S. Chief of Mission, Consular Section, at the U.S. Embassy in that country. The U.S. Embassy then forwards it to the Waiver Review Division. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Must the Washington embassy always issue the statement?
No. DOS also recognizes a statement issued by a designated ministry and routed through the U.S. Embassy in the foreign country.
Can the ministry send the statement directly to me?
The DOS alternative route calls for transmission through the U.S. Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, not through the applicant.
Does the ministry route change what the statement must say?
No. The required substantive no-objection assurances remain applicable.
Need Help With a J-1 Waiver?
The Messersmith Law Firm represents J-1 exchange visitors, physicians, researchers, professionals, and families in complex INA §212(e) matters.
Contact Us