J1 waiver

[munna_bhai]

I arrived in US last month from India on a J1 visa, subject to 212e, 2 year HRR based on skill list. My current appointment is till FEB 2006 (my visa also expires by then), but my J1 status is valid till FEB 2008. when should I apply for a J1 waiver?

My wife is a doctor in India and is planning to apply for a J2. She is planning to give the USMLE and do her residency here. Can she do that on J2 ? Or since i am subject to 212e, is it better if she applies for a B1 visa? I mean to help her give the USMLE and residency if there are problems otherwise.

thank you for any help!
MunnaBhai Ph.D.

 

[LucyMO]

you should apply for a waiver ONLY if you intend to get a GC, or work visa, or change status. Do that in your last year of J-1. If your wife arrives on J-2, she will also be subject to HRR.