Password
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 6
|
Hi-
I am an IMG from India. I recently got my H1 approved from the US Consulate in Chennai. Here's my overview of the H1 process. It is for my fellow forum mates to benefit from my experience. Not legal advice!
After signing the pre-match/match, you'll be asked to submit relevant documents to your program for filing your I-797 (H1 petition) with the USCIS. This generally includes copies of your USMLE scores, ECFMG
certificate, Passport, Visa, Current CV and Medical school diploma.
I matched in NY, where residents don't need to apply for state license to start residency. However, other states like Illinois are heavy on license and other paper work. And license is needed before your attorney can file your I-797.
Most programs will ask the incoming resident to only pay the H1 premium processing fee of $1000. This is generally paid to the attorney who's filing your petition. Again, most programs will have an attorney who takes care of filing immigration papers. If your program does not have one, and asks you to find your own, the best solution would be to ask the current interns.
Expect your program and attorney to take around 4-6 weeks to file your application with the USCIS, after you submit your document, contract and fee.
If you opted for premium processing, you should get your approval petition in the 2 weeks that follow. Your attorney will then mail you the H1B approval petition along with all forms and attachments. Here's the list...
I-797- H1 approval petition
Form G-28
Form I-120
Form I-907- filing for premium processing
Letter from program director explaining hospital set up and resident duties
Attachments (All your USMLE score copies, ECFMG certificate, your current CV, Residency contract and Resident manual)
Authentification of your medical school diploma by an independent body (Eg- Globus education group)
State license
If the institution is not-for-profit, a report from district authority which says so
Cable notification request from your lawyer to the respective U.S consulate
You can now book appointment at the US Consulate you belong to. For those applying from India, visit www.vfs-usa.co.in for further details.
Carry these ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS for the interview-
All your originals certificates (right from MBBS marks cards to medical diploma to USMLE scores to ECFMG certificate)
Work experience letters
Tax returns if any
H1B cannot be refused under section 214(b). And I haven't heard a candidate applying to residency program getting a 221(g) either. So, relax and answer clearly all the questions asked across the interview window. Questions are mainly around how you utilized the months you stayed in US as a visitor/F1. And what will your duties as a resident be after you join.
All the very best! and let us know how your interview was.
|
| Isther
Forum Guru
Topics: 39
Posts: 745
|
Thanks a lot !!!!
___________________
Useful information for USMLE and the residency matching process at http://www.usmlematch.com
|
| doc_droc_apurva
Moderator
Topics: 38
Posts: 1,705
|
thanx for the gr8 info. much appreciated
___________________
Aut Invenam Viam Aut Faciam
|
| crazydr
Forum Senior
Topics: 21
Posts: 62
|
Thanks Password.found very Informative.
|
| aajkal
Forum Elite
Topics: 42
Posts: 241
|
thanks a lot man.
|
| missionmle
Forum Newbie
Topics: 1
Posts: 2
|
Hi
Its really nice to c indians doin well.. n thank u so much for the invaluable info...wil b of gr8 help. most of my sen in coll din get h1b this year. i m a lil worried bout whether i wil get it or not... am intrstd in int med.
wanted to ask how does one inc chances of gettin an h1b?
i wil match in 2009.
doin intrnship now... wat stuf counts? thanks a lt
|
| Password
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 6
|
Anytime! buddies.
Missionmle, the obivious is known to you. To increase your chances of getting a H1- apply to H1 programs.
And since most IMGs are keen on H1, the competition is bound to grow exponentially, in the years to arrive. If you're looking at 2009 match-you're not tight on time (beware! time flies). Apart from exams, invest your energy in absorbing the info you can, from this froum. Browse through the pinned threads of 2006 and 2007 match support forum. That WILL help.
Lastly, don't forget to contribute
|
| Moozy
Forum Guru
Topics: 45
Posts: 784
|
great and a very helpful post. Thanks. Hopefully will write my experience of applying form UK when things start moving.
___________________
Inability is a disaster; patience is bravery; abstinence is a treasure, self-restrain is a shield; and the best companion is submission to Divine Will
|
| loser
Forum Guru
Topics: 34
Posts: 341
|
hey
so does that mean i can get an appointment in the us embassy in india with just the the receipt no. of h1 b petition
pls reply soon
thanks
|
| Moozy
Forum Guru
Topics: 45
Posts: 784
|
For those of you applying from UK:
If you still have not booked a date at London embassy, do so as early as possible. I have jsut been on the phone with the US embassy in London and the earliest date they have is 11th June. Now this may work well for those of you who start late in June or early July. Where as for a few people like me it is disappointing as my orientation starts on 11th June. I am on the lookout if anything come up sooner, but just thought that I should share this infor with the ones who are still waiting for H1B petition approval or licensing. Btw.. my H1 B petition has been approved for 3 years.Now the visa application process begins.
___________________
Inability is a disaster; patience is bravery; abstinence is a treasure, self-restrain is a shield; and the best companion is submission to Divine Will
|
| aajkal
Forum Elite
Topics: 42
Posts: 241
|
good luck my friend. when r u planning to enter usa. i was worried abt 10 days rule and my program wants me in early. now they r giving me a letter which they say will override the 10 day rule and help me in early entry.
|
| aajkal
Forum Elite
Topics: 42
Posts: 241
|
i mean u r entering on 11th june but is it earlier than 10 days from start of residency. thanks.
|
| Moozy
Forum Guru
Topics: 45
Posts: 784
|
AAjkal :
Orientation day : 11th June
Day 1 Residency : 18th June
My lawyers have specified that I have to join in for the orientation and then the residency, so I am planning 8 th June for travel to US. lets see
___________________
Inability is a disaster; patience is bravery; abstinence is a treasure, self-restrain is a shield; and the best companion is submission to Divine Will
|
| Moozy
Forum Guru
Topics: 45
Posts: 784
|
does anyone have any info on H4 visa.... anyone ever rejected an H4 if H1B approved. Also, is the processing time same for h4 as is for B1/2? I mean clearance. Any information will be much appreciated. Thanks
___________________
Inability is a disaster; patience is bravery; abstinence is a treasure, self-restrain is a shield; and the best companion is submission to Divine Will
|
| Moozy
Forum Guru
Topics: 45
Posts: 784
|
My experience at London embassy:
Documents sent by lawyer: I 797B, I 129 ( cable approval sent to London), I 129 H supplement, G 28, ETA 9035 ( labor application form), letter of need from hospital, house officer agreement, State License and hospital Tax exempt form.
At interview : only papers submitted were DS 156 and I 797 B. I took the rest of the documents, but they just picked these two and gave back the rest to me immediately. Interviewer asked where I will work, for how long, what I do in England, any relatives in US and when will my dependant apply for visa (H4). He then said H1B approved for 3 years, should rcv passport by courier in 3-5 days.
PS : I had written my US address where I will stay during my residency. For those who had not mentioned an address, they were asked where they will stay. Also, my I 797 stated class consulate : H1B london ( for those of you who applied from UK and now thinking of sitting interviews in ur home countries- just check with ur lawyers as in my case, the approval was also sent to US embassy in London).
I have been sent some paperwork by my lawyer regarding the following:
1- H1B visa holder can enter US 10 days before start date of visa (section 214.2(h)(13)(i) of Title 8 of code of federal regulations,
2- On entry into US, one should make sure that I 94 is stamped for the H1B granted period as on I 797.
3- AR-11 form, notify USCIS of any change of address within 10 days. ( like in my case, I will switch from my UK address to a USA address).
Hope this helps.
___________________
Inability is a disaster; patience is bravery; abstinence is a treasure, self-restrain is a shield; and the best companion is submission to Divine Will
|
| vidnel
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 25
|
thanks so much password.. and congrats to u 4 matching .. gud luc on ur residency.. hey , if u dont mind can u tel us on wat scores are xpected if we want a h1 visa.. and do u have any clinical xperience? thanks in advance,, bye.
|
| Password
Forum Newbie
Topics: 3
Posts: 6
|
Vidnel-
I did a 2 month odd externship and my scores were 98 and 93.
Good luck in your pursuit of a residency.
|
| SSCOOL
Forum Senior
Topics: 10
Posts: 118
|
Hi password,
This info is really informative,
Thanx a lot,
All the best in ur residency.
|
| vidnel
Forum Newbie
Topics: 2
Posts: 25
|
Thanks password.. gud luc to you
|
| aajkal
Forum Elite
Topics: 42
Posts: 241
|
got h1. no document seen except ds forms and i 797. questios asked wre abt my family, marital status. abt the place where i m going and my specialization. asked y i ranked this program on top. rest was give advice to not work too hard and take rest and enjoy life along with work . rest was informal chat.vo was very nice.
all people on my day got their h1. good luck.
|
| Moozy
Forum Guru
Topics: 45
Posts: 784
|
Congrats aajkal. Good Luck with ur residency.
___________________
Inability is a disaster; patience is bravery; abstinence is a treasure, self-restrain is a shield; and the best companion is submission to Divine Will
|
| Isther
Forum Guru
Topics: 39
Posts: 745
|
Congrats Aajkal...
I noticed that you and moozy were asked if you have family in the US... Actually my parents are GC holders... Do you think that might cause any trouble to get my H1... my interview is next monday.
___________________
Useful information for USMLE and the residency matching process at http://www.usmlematch.com
|
| Moozy
Forum Guru
Topics: 45
Posts: 784
|
The benefit of H1 over J1 is that you dont have to prove ties to your country. I dont think GC holder family member should be a problem as they expect you to possibly apply for GC later.
I belive the reason we were aksed abt family was either just to find how many and when the dependants will apply ( if you are in interview alone) or just to create a converstaion.
Dont worry. Good Luck.
Isther wrote:
Congrats Aajkal...
I noticed that you and moozy were asked if you have family in the US... Actually my parents are GC holders... Do you think that might cause any trouble to get my H1... my interview is next monday.
___________________
Inability is a disaster; patience is bravery; abstinence is a treasure, self-restrain is a shield; and the best companion is submission to Divine Will
|
| aajkal
Forum Elite
Topics: 42
Posts: 241
|
agree with moozy. good luck
|
| Isther
Forum Guru
Topics: 39
Posts: 745
|
Thank you both !!!!
I have a positive mind regarding the visa... up to now everything came up ok... it is only the waiting and the delays that sometime get into my nerves... 
But is ok... pretty soon we all will be at the morning reports discussing differentials...
Good luck aajkal and moozy...!
___________________
Useful information for USMLE and the residency matching process at http://www.usmlematch.com
|
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
