J-1 visa

[Val]

I am an exchange student holding J-1 visa (citizenship Ukraine). The program (2 years, MS in Economics) is sponsored by US government (about $50K) ans is a subject to 2-year home stay requirement.
What can I do to change my status to the green card (or any other leading to citizen) and avoid HHR? What is the probability of success?

[Allan Samson]

It is usually quite difficult to avoid the 2 year return rule. The first thing you should do is get a "no objection" letter from your Embassy in Washington if they are willing to give it. That is still no guarantee you will be able to avoid it. Another reason is if you are offered employment which is vital to the US. Another reason is if you spouse and/or child will suffer hardship if you have to go back to your country. But this is also difficult to convince INS about. Anyway, Good Luck, ALLAN SAMSON

[LL]

Val, you can also try to exit US and return with a different visa. It is risky, though, but works sometimes. Exit countries are Mexico or Canada (last one is hard after 9/11)