J1 trainee => H-1B or J1 Alien Physician?

M

mandrea

New Member
Hi, I am an IMG doing research under a J1 visa (two year rule applies). I have applied for a "No Objection" waiver, my country has not sent the no objection statement yet but they say they will do so by the end of next week. I matched this year into residency, the program is willing to sponsor an H-1B visa, but the Clinic is not exempt from the H-1B visa limit.

I would like to apply for an H1 when the 20,000 additional visas become available. I have also started the Louisiana medical license process, this means I would have to wait for the waiver and the license before applying, but I am not sure if I will still have time (does it take too to get the waiver once the DOS gets the “No Objection Statement”? will I miss the 20,000 new visa limit?,)

The other option is to change my J visa category from a Trainee to Alien Physician through the ECFMG. Then again, as far as I know, once you get a J1 waiver you can no longer apply for a J visa, so I will have to stop the waiver process...

Of course I rather get an H visa, but I am worried about waiting to try and get an H1 end then not being able to get ANY visa!!!

Any comments, suggestions or advice on this issue will be truly appreciated.

Thanks!!
 
hi go for j1 visa the waiver is easy once you finish residency even if you leave for 2 years you can come back always the h1 is better however it is very long and risky you might miss the residency.
 
Hi,
It all depends....
I am surpised that the clinic that is sponsoring your H-1 is exempt from the limit... See if that can be investigated a bit more. .. I think it H-1 is applied you are in status.. What clinic is that? What are your chances of securing residency later .. if you let this one go...
J-1 waiver process is a long one. If you can save yourself the hassle then do, but i wouldnt compromise professional goals for it..
Wi_lca
 
Hello, thanks for the replies. I will be doing my internship (preliminary medicine) at Ocshner Clinic (New Orleans), I also matched in ophthalmology to start July 2006, so there is no way I can let this one go!!! They told me they were not exempt from the limit, but I don't know if there is any other way to check this out. The no objection statement was received by the DOS today... I still haven’t decided about what to do... H1 or J1 Alien Physician... I have all the paperwork ready for the change of status (J visa)... I need to decide by the end of this week... :confused:
 
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