Confused. Need advice

[Natura]

I am going to start my residency in June 2010. If I end up going for a J1, which most likely will be the case as most of the great programs sponsor only J1, I had a few questions.
1. How complicated is the J1 waiver process, the 3 year requirement in the underserved area?
2. Can I file for a GC while I am doing a J1 waiver job?
3. Are physicians on a J1 or H1B while doing the waiver job?

 

[hadron]

1. How complicated is the J1 waiver process, the 3 year requirement in the underserved area?

There is a stickied thread at the top of the page that outlines the process. 4-9 months, mostly dependent on how smoothly the state health department works.

2. Can I file for a GC while I am doing a J1 waiver job?

You or your employer can file the employment petitition and related steps, to file for the actual card (adjustment of status) you have to wait until 3 years and 1 day after starting the waiver job.

3. Are physicians on a J1 or H1B while doing the waiver job?

You are on H1b during the waiver job.