As per Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, certain exchange programs require applicants to return to their home country for at least 2 years after the completion of their program. For this rule to take effect, one of the following must be true: The program is funded at least partially by the United States or the applicant’s country of origin (or country of nationality) The applicant's specialized skill has been deemed, by the country of origin, as being pivotal to the advancement of national interests The applicant used the exchange program for the purposes of graduate medical training The physical presence requirement prevents applicants from changing status to temporary worker (H visa), intracompany transferee (L visa), or lawful permanent resident. The applicant may not apply for these visas at a U.S. Embassy or consulate for the duration of the two-year period.