I'm an Irish Citizen. I was on a j1 graduate visa for 12 months. I just arrived back in my home country this week. The process is straight forward but you will

I'm an Irish Citizen. I was on a j1 graduate visa for 12 months. I just arrived back in my home country this week. The process is straight forward but you will lose the first month waiting for approval of the placement. Depending on the country you might need to have the position approved before your SERVIS start date. A friend of mine from Catalonia like you (according to your github account) applying from Spain had to have his placement preapproved. He managed to get a h1b half way through the year, the transition over to h1b mid j1 was actually very easy without him having to return home which is interesting, due to the dual intent of the h1b. If he does go home however he has to then go to an embassy to get the visa inserted into his passport. Also you are not always subject to the 2 year rule. It did not apply to my application nor my friends. If I go back for a second j-1 as a trainee it will be subject to it next time however. Feel free to asking any questions.