I wanted to know what are possible limitations of the J1 Visa.

I know of this one...Have to go back to Canada for 2 years minimum after completing training.

But what about these...

Specifically how difficult is it to prolong a J1 Visa from a preliminary Surgery PGY1 to a PGY2 categorical position.

OR

What if I need to transfer my J1 visa from Preliminary Surgery PGY1 to a 2 year research fellowship in surgery and then apply to a Categorical PGY1 in Surgery...

OR

Simply transfer my J1 visa from Preliminary Surgery PGY1 to a categorical PGY1 or if successful to a PGY2 categorical position.

Where should I go for professional information... Immigration Lawyer... US or CAnadian Immigration Lawyer...

Thank you.

You should get an immigration lawyer to help you. He will give you the correct advices.

Try MDgreencard.com - Immigration Law, Visas, Greencards, US Waivers and more...

[QUOTE=hopeful786;1063785]I wanted to know what are possible limitations of the J1 Visa......


Have to go back to Canada for 2 years minimum after completing training.

-- 'home country residence requirement', you have to return home (country that supported J-1 Visa) for a minimum of two years before you are allowed by US immigration to apply for certain types of immigrant visa such as H1-B

.....prolong a J1 Visa from a preliminary Surgery PGY1 to a PGY2 categorical position.

-- straightforward application to ECFMG for renewal of the visa; you have to show you have the categorical position at PGY2 level
-- get another Statement of Need


....transfer my J1 visa from Preliminary Surgery PGY1 to a 2 year research fellowship in surgery and then apply to a Categorical PGY1 in Surgery...

- If it is in the SAME institution, ask ECFMG if they would support the whole training period (up to seven year) including the research portion; if not, ask ECFMG what other type of visa you should get for the research (?TN Visa?)
1 215 823 2121
www.ecfmg.org Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program
- if it is at a different institution, you may have to get a J-1 Research Scholar but there is a one year wait before you can return to J-1 Clinical with ECFMG. Again, check with ECFMG directly.

... transfer my J1 visa from Preliminary Surgery PGY1 to a categorical PGY1

- Ask ECFMG, no charge.

Where should I go for professional information... Immigration Lawyer... US or CAnadian Immigration Lawyer...

-- Discuss all of this with the ECFMG, no charge.

QUOTE]

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