J-1 and H-1 B

[pmadadi]

I am a doctor and am on F-1 visa. i recently got medical residency at a new york hospital. I have applied for J-1 visa sponsored by ECFMG, USA and am expecting the DS-2019 to arrive in a few days. I need to go to India to get the visa stamped and then only start my residency. Now I have passed my USMLE step 3 and would like to apply for H-1 B visa ( non-profit organization and hence doesnt come under cap) for the same residency position, and I prefer H-1 b visa. The hospital has no problem with either H-1 B or J-1 visa. I would like to know if I can apply for H-1 B visa now for the same residency position (job) at this time when my DS-2019 is nearing approval. Thank You.

 

[m_img]

Wait and find yourself verrrrrrrrrrry lucky ... you're in great shape.... you just got saved by a lot of headache that J1 brings with it.

DS-2019 does not mean that you have the status changed. Unless you change your status to J1 (either while in USA or goto out of country get visa and enter in USA on that visa).

Apply for H1-B with premium processing and you should be fine to join in July. Just talk to an attorney, this is straight forward H1-B.

Congratulations!