J-1 Status - Underserved Area

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MedStudent28

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I was wondering if anyone can comment on this. I am currently on a J-1 visa from Canada. After I finish the Family Program here I have to either come back to Canada for 2 years or work in an underserved area to get a green card. A friend told me the other day, who is currently doing residency in a Cardiology program, that if you do a fellowship you omit the underserved area work term. Is this true? Can anyone comment on this? I never read anywhere that if you do a fellowship you dont need to work in a underserved area.

Thanks alo.
 
I was wondering if anyone can comment on this. I am currently on a J-1 visa from Canada. After I finish the Family Program here I have to either come back to Canada for 2 years or work in an underserved area to get a green card. A friend told me the other day, who is currently doing residency in a Cardiology program, that if you do a fellowship you omit the underserved area work term. Is this true? Can anyone comment on this? I never read anywhere that if you do a fellowship you dont need to work in a underserved area.

Thanks alo.

Nope. If you do fellowship, it just extends your J1 by the length of your fellowship (and remember, you've got a maximum of 7 years). At the end of fellowship, you'll still be in the J1-Waiver vs. 2 year home residency rule.
 
I was wondering if anyone can comment on this. I am currently on a J-1 visa from Canada. After I finish the Family Program here I have to either come back to Canada for 2 years or work in an underserved area to get a green card. A friend told me the other day, who is currently doing residency in a Cardiology program, that if you do a fellowship you omit the underserved area work term. Is this true? Can anyone comment on this? I never read anywhere that if you do a fellowship you dont need to work in a underserved area.

Thanks alo.
I think it is applicable if you do your fellowship back in Canada.