cyshii
Forum Newbie
Topics: 11
Posts: 23
|
Hi guys,
I'm currently on a research J1 visa, and need to change it for a clinical J1 in order to start a internal medicine residency program. I thought I wouldn't have any problems, but my program has been told by ECFMG that this change needs a permission from Department of State, which usually takes between 60-90 days. Of course, they required more documents to be sent.
My program starts on June 23rd, and I'm pretty worried because ECFMG notified about the problem on the first week of May, so maybe I won't have the visa ready and will have to start late (which means that I won't be able to get any fellowships since they all start on July 1st).
I called ECFMG and they told me they have 50-60 similar cases. And maybe some of them also visit this forum, so I'd like to ask if any of them already have the visa done and how much it took to have a the permission from Department of State.
Thank you very much for your replies
|
| drshvetasm
Forum Elite
Topics: 22
Posts: 285
|
Hi cyshii, I am not going through this process...i didnt apply last year but i had tried to find out about a J1 research post before and i came to know that even if the 2 yr HRR rule doesnt apply to u there is another rule about not being able to convert to another type of J1 for 24 months... but its good that they are atleast letting you make the switch..btw what was the duration of ur current research J1? GL with the process...I'm sure there must be a way out for the fellowship, maybe you could skip a vacation and make up for the lost time coz many people who join residency late do that. Let us know how it goes.
|
| cyshii
Forum Newbie
Topics: 11
Posts: 23
|
I have had J1 for almost two years. I was previously able to change J1 category, from J1 as a short term scholar to a research scholar J1, and I thought switching to a clinical J1 was as easy as the previous J1 change I had.
|
| drshvetasm
Forum Elite
Topics: 22
Posts: 285
|
when i had read what i read i think the 2 yr rule that i told u about apparently applied to all visa types except the short term scholar. so maybe you are having this trouble coz it is a longer duration. short term scholar is apparently a hassle free visa but the longer duration J1 have lotsa clauses...I'm sorry i wish I could be of more help. These visa issues are messy, did u already consult with a lawyer?
|
| rockingdoctor
Forum Elite
Topics: 23
Posts: 291
|
better hire a lawyer and expedite the process
___________________
Impossible is nothing !
|
| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 31
Posts: 4,775
|
cyshii wrote:
I have had J1 for almost two years. I was previously able to change J1 category, from J1 as a short term scholar to a research scholar J1, and I thought switching to a clinical J1 was as easy as the previous J1 change I had.
Have you spoken with your program and what do they say?
___________________
bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
|
| madmad
Forum Junior
Topics: 1
Posts: 66
|
I am on the same boat my friend, I am still waiting for my DS2019 as well! there are plenty of applicants going through the same process, DoS know that and they usually get you the DS2019 in time, unless there is something really wrong with your application e.g. switching from research in geology to internal medicine residency 
so dont worry, you are nt facing any problems, ECFMG required by law to send the change of category petitions to DoS.
there is no problem in changing from research to clinical, even if you have 2 year home requirement on your first visa.
what is very important to know is that you dont need to go back to your home country to get a visa to start your new residency, your new DS2019 and your current I-94 marking DS will do it. Obviously you will need to apply for a new visa if you want to leave and enter the US again.
Edited by madmad on 06/01/08 - 10:16 PM
|
| lobitodemar
Forum Newbie
Topics: 8
Posts: 22
|
Hi cyshii
I was in the same boat, I had a research visa without the 2 year home requirement, I got the letter from the DoS case manager explaining how to proceed, bla bla bla, so to make a long story short, I took the decision to finishing my J1 research and go back to my country to apply for the J1 clinical from there.
If you've sent the initial application, and the only thing remaining is the DoS paperwork. I would suggest you to leave the US before doing that. Before leaving you will need a letter from your research director, saying that you have completed all your research projects, bla bla, and also saying that they are ending your visa. Second step, when you arrive to your country, you will need to send a scan of your passport, boarding pass, etc, showing that you arrive at your home country.
I did all those steps, I arrrived to my country on May 22. The DS2019 was approved and completed on the 27th, and my program got it today, so they are sending me the documents fedex, and finally I will have them by the day after tomorrow.
I think that the whole process can take up to 3 weeks.
I hope this information can help you!!
Regards to all
|
| cyshii
Forum Newbie
Topics: 11
Posts: 23
|
Hi there,
I really appreciate all your answers. Just to keep you updated.
It has been a hard week for me: moving, visa issues, my closest friend was hospitalized here... According to ECFMG and the international office at my research institution, a lawyer wouldn't help me to expedite the process once documents are sent to DoS.
Today the program coordinator sent me this email:
I am following up on our conversation earlier today regarding your J visa issue. As you know our orientation stats on June 12, followed by the beginning of the 2008/09 academic year on June 23rd. Our concern is that if you begin the residency any time after July 1, 2008 your chances of getting into the fellowship starting after your completing the third year of residency training could be seriously affected by your late start in the residency program. In case you do not get a visa approval by June 23rd we would be willing to offer you a categorical position in our program for the year 2009/10 (provided that you get approved for a J1 visa by January 15, 2009). That way you would be able to start on time and apply for a fellowship in your PGY 2 year. You have mentioned that you would be willing to use your vacation time while you are waiting for a J1 visa approval. Unfortunately, that would not be feasible because your residency can not start before the date of your J visa approval.
I am considering not to wait for one more year, starting off-cycle and later I would find out how to finish PGY3 by June 30th in 2011. What are your thoughts? I thought I could start residency with vacations while J1 was processed, but could I use vacations of the PGY2 and 3 in case I start off-cycle, in order to finish residency on time?
|
| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 31
Posts: 4,775
|
It's against the rules to start a residency with "Vacation" - you are not an employee, therefore how can you have vacation. And you can't give up your vacation to even out your time - it's not allowed.
10 years ago this might have worked, but not any longer. Rules have changed.
___________________
bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
|
| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 31
Posts: 4,775
|
It's against the rules to start a residency with "Vacation" - you are not an employee, therefore how can you have vacation. And you can't give up your vacation to even out your time - it's not allowed.
10 years ago this might have worked, but not any longer. Rules have changed.
___________________
bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
|
| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 31
Posts: 4,775
|
It's against the rules to start a residency with "Vacation" - you are not an employee, therefore how can you have vacation. And you can't give up your vacation to even out your time - it's not allowed.
10 years ago this might have worked, but not any longer. Rules have changed.
___________________
bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
|
| cyshii
Forum Newbie
Topics: 11
Posts: 23
|
Hi guys,
This is my update:
I was contacted by my program a couple of days ago, and they told me they're not holding my position for 2008-2009 anymore, because it seems that my case will take much more time according to Department of State, so they decided to look for somebody to fill my position. I had an offer to join another research training, which I declined to start my residency this year, and now I guess I cannot take it anymore because it means having a new J1. I don't know what to do now! Most probably I'll have to spend a whole year in my country. So sad...
Edited by cyshii on 06/12/08 - 12:23 PM
|
| bbb
IM Program Coordinator
Topics: 31
Posts: 4,775
|
Sorry to hear that, but programs do have to do what they have to to ensure that patients are taken care of. Check with the program to see if they will offer you the position for 2009-10. It's certainly worth asking.....
___________________
bbb - trying to combine common sense and humour into realistic answers, but not going to guess on anyone's chances of getting into a position....
|
| cyshii
Forum Newbie
Topics: 11
Posts: 23
|
I forgot to say that they are offering me the position for the next academic year
|
|
| |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
