When Should You Request the No Objection Statement?
The Department of State recommends requesting the No Objection Statement after completing the online DS-3035 and receiving the J-1 waiver case number.
After you receive your J-1 waiver case number. DOS recommends completing the online DS-3035 first and then requesting the No Objection Statement from the home-country government. The waiver case number helps the government and the Waiver Review Division associate the statement with the correct application.
Complete DS-3035 first
DOS states that applicants should request the No Objection Statement once they have the waiver case number generated through the online DS-3035 process.
The case number helps DOS match the statement
The No Objection Statement is a third-party document. Providing the waiver case number to the foreign government helps the Waiver Review Division associate that document with the correct application.
Embassy processing may have its own timeline
DOS controls the U.S. waiver process, but the foreign government's internal approval procedure is separate. Some embassies or ministries may require additional records or governmental clearances before issuing a statement.
DOS processing begins after the case is complete
The Department of State's published waiver processing estimate begins when the Waiver Review Division has the complete application package, including required third-party documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I request the No Objection Statement before DS-3035?
DOS recommends waiting until you have the waiver case number generated through the online application.
Why does the case number matter?
It helps DOS associate the foreign government's statement with the correct waiver application.
Does DOS processing start before the statement arrives?
DOS measures its published processing estimate from receipt of the complete case, including required third-party documents.
Need Help With a J-1 Waiver?
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