How do I check the status of my J-1 waiver application with the U.S. Department of State?

To check your status with the Department of State (DOS), you will want to visit the following website: j1visawaiverstatus.state.gov/

At the bottom of this web page, you will be given the opportunity to enter your DOS case number. This is the case number you were given after electronically completing the Form DS-3035 to initiate your waiver application with DOS.

Enter and re-enter your case number, and then press the "Submit" button. You will be taken to a page that lists the status of your waiver application or applications. If you have applied for an IGA or Conrad-based J-1 waiver and DOS has already set your case up in their system, there will be a tab at the top entitled "State" or "IGA (Physician)." If you have applied for a J-1 waiver based on hardship, there will be a "Hardship" tab; if the basis of your waiver is a claim of persecution, there will be a "Persecution" tab. For non-physicians, there might be a "No Objection" tab for no-objection letters.

Below the tab(s), you will find the words "Department of State Decision." Next to these words, you will find "Pending" if the process is not yet complete, and "Favorable Recommendation" if DOS has approved and forwarded the case to Citizenship and Immigration Services. I have also seen the decision "Not Required to Adjudicate" where there was a U.S. government funding issue, and DOS would not proceed with the case.  Please see my post on U.S. government funding for more information.

Underneath the decision, you will see a list of all the documents, which have been received and recorded by DOS thus far, as well as the dates of receipt. There may also be an indication of documents requested by DOS, as well as documents sent by DOS, such as the favorable recommendation letter.