J-1 after Prelim

[medicine12]

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Just a quick question, if you get a J-1 visa for a Prelim and then you don't get a terminal residency, do you still have to go home for 2 years? Same rules apply for J-1 regardless it's prelim or terminal residency?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Yes.

In addition, if you get a J1 for prelim and then a J1 for residency, you still only have to leave the US for 2 years (not 4).

If you get a prelim on J1, then leave the US for 1 year, then get a residency on J1, well, I have no idea what happens then.

 

[medicine12]

Can't I even transfer from J-1 clinical to J-1 research in case I don't get an advanced residency and want to do research for a year?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Maybe.

This post seems to explain it: http://peculiarmuse.com/2009/09/the-j1-research-visa/

I can't vouch for the accuracy of the post, but the writer seems to know what they are talking about.

 

[Sarcoidosis]

I had the same questions last year. 2 year return policy on J1. Maximum seven years on J1 clinical. I was led to believe last year by ECFMG that transferring from J1 clinical to J1 research would not allow me to transfer back to J1 clinical until I had fulfilled the 2 year commitment. However, now that I called for possible J1 research for July, they are saying the policy has changed and that J1 clinical may convert to J1 research depending on individual applicants.

My suggestion is don't play the game. Policies will change right and left and you are a J1 holder don't have much options. Get a Categorical and complete any clinical training on J1. Otherwise, return and complete the 2 year return policy. J1 research will only complicate and put you in stressful situation if policies change.

 

[Sarcoidosis]

Personally, I really don't believe that ECFMG should grant J1 visas to Prelims unless they have advanced positions. Because... well lets just leave it at that.