Questions on Residency with EAD?

[Rajagopalan Ramesh]

Hi,

My wife has completed here USMLE and she currently holds an EAD.

One of the hospitals that she is applying to, wants her to convert to a J-1 Visa, even though she has an EAD. We filed our I-485 in April, 2001, and we hope to be approved by May 2002.

The questions I have are:
1. Is there any problem with starting her Residency with the EAD?
2. If there is an issue with the EAD, can she convert to J-1 now. Her I-485 is pending along with mine. What are the steps involved for this process?
3. Are there any INS publications that will provide more information on this subject?

Need help fast. Could someone help please.

Thanks,
RR

 

[Rajeev Kumar]

DON\'T!!!

She can start her residency on EAD. Don\'t apply for J-1; her green card will be denied and she will have to go through a J-1 waiver process before being eligible for a green card. Tell the program that you are waiting for a green card and that she has a work permit. If they don\'t agree, drop them like a hot potato and look elsewhere.

 

[Yooper]

No Title

In fact, it is illegal for them to demand her change to J-1 status. Her EAD is sufficient proof for her employment eligibility with ANY US employer, including any residency program.