is there any way aound the statement of need requirement for J-1 visa?

[threecoins]

Hey there, I am a FMG who is applying for the 2005 match, I think I have a very good chance in matching in a good program in a place I like. The problem is that this place only takes applicants under J-1 visas and to apply for that I have to provide a statement of need from the ministry of health of my country to the ECFMG stating that my countrty needs specialists in the area I am training in and that I will come back after my training ends. Well, the problem is that I would not be able to get this statement of need from my country before I finish 2 years of obligatory training after graduating from medschool.I wonder if anyone has faced a similar situation ? and whether there is any circumstances in which this statement of need requirement can be waived? I would be very grateful for every reply.Thanks.

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[Garuda]

My Dad came here on a J1 visa in 1991. We followed in 1992.

It was an extremely difficult process. Eventually we had the J-visa upgraded to H in 1995, when my Dad got a job after his fellowship. We didn't get a green card until 1998.

Very few foreign doctors here in the U.S. come here on the J visa, at least those that end up staying. Even H1 visas are pretty uncommon. In our experience, most of the other doctors who came here from overseas had some kind of family hookup: i.e. a relative who had sponsored them for a green card.

What country are you coming in from? I hear some countries have green card lotteries under the "diversity visa" program. Try to get one of those if you can.