pls clarify

[santa2]

I am a J-1 holder for research associate and wish to accept a J1 for residency training come 2005. I have been a J-1 for the maximum 3 yrs expiring june 2005 and do have a waiver for the 2yr home country.
do i need to go back to country to get the J-1 for residency training for july 2005. pls clarify

 

[hadron]

#1
If there is any way, try to get an H1b for your residency. Getting out of the home residency requirement for a 'GME J1' is not as easy as getting out of other J1 home residency requirements.

#2
I have been in contact with someone who changed from J1 research scholar to J1 clinical. It apparently involves the department of state and creates a considerable delay and complication, it also seems to block you from changing residencies later on (e.g. into rehab residency after medicine internship)

--> talk to a knowledgeable immgration attorney.