J1 sponsorship.

[nanha]

Hi there,
Currently i'm working @ a research institute (part of the university system). My F1 OPT status expires in dec'04. To further my employment the management has decided, to get my visa on J1 status instead of H1B which is fine by me. The issue is several ppl have told me tht it is kinda difficult to secure a J1 from US consulates in india. how true is tht? i'm guessing it just might be a speculation but i want to be sure b4 i start the process. Any suggestions?

 

[LucyMO]

if you change your status to J-1, you don't need to go outside the U.S. to get J-1 visa. Just stay and work for the duration of your status. Make sure they don't apply HRR to you (home residency requirement). It will be difficult to immigrate or get a H1B visa later on, or change J-1 status to anything for two years after your J-1 program ends.