J1 Research to J1 Clinical

[Vid2Nag]

I am currently on J1-research (valid through Jan '05) and have been offered a clinical fellowship position. Am awaiting CS results to get my ECFMG certificate and join the program.
My questions are:
if i only get my Step 2 CS results by Dec 04 end, will just applying for DOS petition in Jan-05 ( i heard that processing might take more than 2 months) keep me in status. Can I join the program immediately on get my ECFMG certificate even without having my DOS petition approved ?
Can anyone who is well informed let me know if more than 4 years of experience as a Clinical Fellow in US make me Board Eligible and allow me to practice in US ?

 

[J1victim]

I am currently on J1-research (valid through Jan '05) and have been offered a clinical fellowship position. Am awaiting CS results to get my ECFMG certificate and join the program.
My questions are:
if i only get my Step 2 CS results by Dec 04 end, will just applying for DOS petition in Jan-05 ( i heard that processing might take more than 2 months) keep me in status. Can I join the program immediately on get my ECFMG certificate even without having my DOS petition approved ?
Can anyone who is well informed let me know if more than 4 years of experience as a Clinical Fellow in US make me Board Eligible and allow me to practice in US ?

as per J1 law:
J1 research MAY NOT be converted to J1 clinical. go and read the ECFMG booklet on J1 sponsorship.

you may go from J1 research to H1 if:

if your J1 research was financed by private funds, and your job description didn't fall under the specialty occupations subject to 2 years HRR.
you will need a written advisory opinion from DOS. Ask the student office at your institution for help.
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Now to your questions:

if i only get my Step 2 CS results by Dec 04 end, will just applying for DOS petition in Jan-05 ( i heard that processing might take more than 2 months) keep me in status.

>>> Yes. But what kind of petition you r talking about?
if for J1 status change (from Research to clinical) > you will first need IAP-66 from ECFMG. I doubt ECFMG will give you an IAP-66 (but you never know. it doesn't hurt to try)


Can I join the program immediately on get my ECFMG certificate even without having my DOS petition approved ?

>>> No

Can anyone who is well informed let me know if more than 4 years of experience as a Clinical Fellow in US make me Board Eligible and allow me to practice in US?

>>> No

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disclaimer: my personal opinion only.