Fulbright scholars traveling to the U.S. for studies do so with a J-1 visa as exchange visitors. One of the conditions of this visa requires all scholars to return and remain in Greece for two years before they are allowed to immigrate or apply for permanent residency or work authorization in the U.S.

Specifically, Fulbright scholars cannot apply for H or L work visas or a green card unless they have first completed two years of residence in Greece. However, they may apply for an O-1 (or E-1) work visa to work in the U.S. The O-1 visa applies to individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or exceptional achievements in film and television production. The E-1 visa applies to Greeks engaged in U.S.-Greece trade. Essentially, only Fulbright scholars with “extraordinary abilities” can apply for U.S. work visas without prior residence in Greece.

The two-year residence requirement in Greece can be fulfilled intermittently after the scholar has completed their stay in the U.S. on a J-1 visa. For example, time spent in Greece during vacations while holding another visa type (e.g., O-1) in the U.S. can count. Time spent in another European country does not count—the two years must be in Greece.

Theoretically, it is possible to apply for a waiver of the two-year residence requirement in Greece. Possible waiver grounds include a no-objection letter from Greece consenting to waive the requirement, hardship waivers when the two-year stay would cause significant harm to a U.S. citizen relative, persecution waivers if the applicant faces persecution in Greece due to origin, religion, or political beliefs, and waivers for interested U.S. government agencies that would suffer harm if the applicant returned to Greece for two years.

Note that waivers are granted very rarely and only in exceptional cases. A simple letter from Greece consenting to waive the requirement is not sufficient—additional significant evidence is required. Strong political advocacy from a high-ranking U.S. official can be especially helpful. Also, special circumstances preventing the two-year stay in Greece, such as health issues requiring the applicant’s presence in the U.S. or U.S. citizen relatives with severe disabilities fully dependent on the applicant, can support the waiver request. In other words, it is difficult to be exempted from the two-year residence obligation in Greece.