Hi,

A friend of mine (an IMG) wants to do an internal medicine residency followed by a subspecialty fellowhip. How would this work on a J1 visa? Would she be able to apply for an IM spot, finish her training, and then apply for a fellowhisp all on the same visa? Or would she have to return to her home country for 2 years after IM training and then reapply for a fellowship on a new J1?

Any help answering my query would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
diabetic_foot

It is on the same J1. IM fellowships are considered part of IM. At the time when your friend switches to the subspecialty, he/she will have to provide a new 'statement of need' from the home countries ministry of health (the visa btw. is usually only for one year at a time but you only need it when you leave and re-enter the US. J1 status can extended for a residency+1 fellowship).

Thanks f_w! :thumbup: