J1 waiver after exhausting 3.5 yrs of H1B

[mestep3]

Hi,
I am CURRENTLY doing my residency in pathology on J1.

Before my residency I worked for 3.5 yrs on H1B visa in the US.

My qtn is -

Since I only have around 2.5 yrs of H1B remaning to complete the 6 years total, will I qualify or be able to get a J1 waiver.
( According to my understanding , "J1 waiver period = H1B status" ... hence if I get a waiver I will have to maintain a H1b status. Now the qtn here is --- Do we need to maintain h1B status for 3 yrs to complete the waiver or is there any alternative ?

thanks

 

[m_img]

Hi,
I am CURRENTLY doing my residency in pathology on J1.

Before my residency I worked for 3.5 yrs on H1B visa in the US.

My qtn is -

Since I only have around 2.5 yrs of H1B remaning to complete the 6 years total, will I qualify or be able to get a J1 waiver.
( According to my understanding , "J1 waiver period = H1B status" ... hence if I get a waiver I will have to maintain a H1b status. Now the qtn here is --- Do we need to maintain h1B status for 3 yrs to complete the waiver or is there any alternative ?

One option is that you start GC process and have 140 approved. As soon this is approved, you'll be eligible for 7th year extension.

Also, did you spend anytime out of country during 3.5 yrs of previous H1-B? You can count plus time you'll spend outside USA during future 2.5 years.