OAT-Texas,. .. .You are correct. It is currently controlled by the State Department, I used INS as a general statement to cover all Immigration. I should have been more specific. My apology.. .. .As for the situation which applies to stevegg5, it is possible to get an extension or change of status, but probability is poor. I do not want to go into all the hoops required to do so.. .. .The J-1 is a student exchange program and was designed for people to come to the US, train in a field and bring that knowledge home to their native country. The Spirit of the visa's design was pass on the knowledge to other members of their country. Hence the reason for the two year restriction on returning to the U.S. In the case of British Citizens, the two year restriction does not apply. After their visa ends and they leave the U.S., they are free to return to the U.S.. .. .Good Luck,. .. .Capt. Richard J. Gentil, Pres.. .Naples Air Center, Inc.