J1 to H1 and back to J1 - How long?

[drcshk]

I did ressearch on J-1 for 3 years (no need to return), then I worked for 3.5 years on H-1.

Now I did 1 year of medical residency (preliminary PGY1) on J-1 again (there were reasons why i needed to switch to J-1, though I have passed the USMLE3 before residency).

But now I again apply to another residency - categorical.

My question is how many years I can target for?

I know that resarch J-1 is limited to 6 years in exceptional cases. ANd clinical J-1 is limited to 7 years.

I can not switch now to H-1 back.

If I apply now for a 4-years residency, I will spend jsut 5 years toal on clinical J-1, But I am concerned that my research J-1 can be added. It would be total 8 years. Will I be able to finish the residnecy?

So did my clinical J-1 start as a new one or is it combined J-1?

 

[I612]

I am not sure if anyone is checking on that. Your recent I-94 should be D/S which means as long as you get the DS***(the old IAP-66, whatever they call it now) from the ECFMG you should be good. I know that for clinical J you can extend it past the 7th year if your program director says it is necessary ie to finish research...
I am not a lawyer though, just read all the documents that you have and check with a lawyer.