Apply for C1/D Visa After J1 with 2-Year US Travel Ban?

Yes, you can apply for a C1/D visa (transit/crew member visa) even if you have just finished a J1 program with a 2-year home-country physical presence requirement (Section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). The 2-year requirement restricts you from obtaining certain types of visas and status adjustments (such as H, L, K, or permanent resident status) until you fulfill the requirement or obtain a waiver. However, this restriction does not apply to the C1/D visa.

Therefore, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria for the C1/D visa, you can apply for it regardless of the 2-year home-country requirement from your J1 program.