This varies a lot depending on your exact situation. I interned in the bay area last year and it didn't apply to my case - and now I'm back on an H1 without any

This varies a lot depending on your exact situation. I interned in the bay area last year and it didn't apply to my case - and now I'm back on an H1 without any issues. The 212-E 2 year home country requirement has 3 conditions [1]. Specifically, if you're interning, you do not fall under "Government funded exchange program", nor do you fall under "Graduate medical education or training". You may fall under "Specialized knowledge or skill: Skills List" but that list is on a per country basis. [2] [1] http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html#15 http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html#15 [2] http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_4514.html http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_4514.html