H1 to J1

[clin.research]

I am on H1B visa working in clinical research since mid-2003, applied for LC in 1/05. I am looking for a 2 year wait for LC approval (application is sitting at the Dallas BEC) and another who-knows-how-long for GC. I am considering applying for a residency program instead under J1 category in order to avoid spending 3+ years in my current clinical research position. Is it possible? (since I've shown immigration intent by applying for LC) or advisable? Or could I apply for H1 residency? (it would be obviously different job description than the one which got me H1 in the first place). Any word of advise will be greatly appreciated.

 

[hadron]

Try to do your residency on H1b, but keep a good working relationship with the lab that filed your LC, maybe you can do your residency at the same institution and continue some of your research in your ample free time (*loud laughter in the background*).

That way, you have a GC pretty much in hand when you finish residency (or at least the pending LC to get a 7th year extension).

You can get a new H1b with a different job description for the residency. There might however be cap issues if your prior H1b was exempt (non-profit research institutions vs for-profit hospital).

 

[arizonian]

You are NOT eligible for a J1 because of your immigration petition.

Second, any sensible person would NEVER go from any other visa to J1.

Be patient and wait for your GC. It is a whole new world out there if you have that.