how to avoid 24 month bar restriction for J1 research scholar?

yuhanmc

New Member
Hi,

I'd like to ask about a solution how to solve my problem with 24-month bar restriction now. I'd really appreciate for any comments.

My situation and concern is as follows:
1. I have a job offer as a postdoctoral fellow under a NIH grant in the US. My future employer wants me to start in Jan 2010.

2. I was an exchange scholar on J1 research scholar visa from March 2007 to June 2008. I am not subject to the 2-year home country residency rule, but I am subject to 24-month bar restriction that I cannot return to the US as a J-1 research scholar category for two years (until June 2010). However, according to the rule, I could still apply for other type of visa, like H1-B or J1 visa with different categories (i.e., J1 specialist, J1 short-term scholar visa).

3. I would like to know the possibility for me to start working in US from Jan or Feb 2010. It is difficult for me to wait until June 2010. As I know, H1-B visa is only accepted once per year in April for the job starting in October. So H1-B is not a fast solution. So, is it possible for me to first start working as J1 specialist or J1 short-term scholar, and apply transferring to H1-B at the same time?

Thanks !!
 
Top