Change of J-1 category

[jonio]

hi,

I am an alien physician currently doing research on a J-1 visa for 4 months. (research category). I am planning to start postgraduate training next summer, but I recently learned that I will not be allowed to do so unless I leave the U.S. for one year. (since this would imply changing my J-1 category from research to clinical). Nevertheless, my advisor has told me that if I leave the country before completing 6 months of my research, this restriction will not apply to me, and I will be able to go back to my country and then reenter the U.S for postgraduate training.

Is this true?

 

[lawrat]

I am a law school graduate. What I offer is mere information, not to be construed as forming an attorney client relationship.

This is from an immigration law professor:
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
1. Description
The J-1 visa is used for graduate medical education and training. It should be noted that, upon completion of the J-1 stay in the U.S., the alien will be required to return to his home country for a period of at least two years.
2. Requirements for J-1 Visa
Several requirements apply when an alien physician trys to obtain a J-1 visa.
· He/she must provide a written assurance from the home country confirming that there is a need for his/her skills in this country.
· There must be also a written agreement from an accredited school of medicine which will provide the training in the U.S.
· He/she must prove sufficient skills that he/she has already achieved by having
either: graduated from a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME)
or: passed Parts I and II of the National Board of Medical Examiners examination (or its equivalent) and possess competency in written and oral English ( mostly proved with the ECFMG English test which can be updated by the TOEFL test ).
· The alien physician must already have prior education/licensure abroad.


Here are some places to check:

Our number is: 1-800-375-5283 OR below: http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/lawsregs/advice.htm