J-1 is a temporary exchange visitor program for interns, trainees, au pairs, scholars, teachers, professors, medical graduates and summer programs who are allowed to remain in the US for the length of the program. Interns max at twelve (12) months, while trainees have a maximum of eighteen (18) months. Depending on the petitioning organization and the skill level required, some J-1 programs are paid. A two (2) year residency requirement is placed on the applicant by its home country depending on the position or if government funds were used to finance their education. With this requirement, applicants must return to their home country for two years before applying for another nonimmigrant visa or applying for permanent residence. In some case, a waiver can be applied for.