Matched But :((((((

[Marasmus1]

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The topic also uploaded in International forum;

Dear fellow co-residents and medical students,

I learned where I matched yesterday. I called Program Coordinator. He said they would apply H1b visa for me. I said well you know I am on J1 Research so I may not be qualified for H1b. It would be better and easier to obtain ECFMG sponsored J1. He said they don`t accept J1. I said your GME page says hospital both sponsors J1 and H1, if you matched me, an IMG( who clearly stated that he is on J J1 Research in his ERAS Application), how can you say we can`t accept J1? Plus we don`t even know whether Statement of Department would approve for H1b in my case as it is much difficult visa to obtain for an IMG. I could not sleep even a second yesterday night. If they terminate match agreement , that would ruin my career.So questions;

1) Have you ever heard a case like this?

2) If the program is not willing to sponsor visa for me, who should i contact? Who would give me an advice and stand by me? ECFMG? NRMP? or AAMC?

I am super scared as I spent my career savings on residency match. And I matched!! But I don`t even know where this case would go 🙁

Thank You for your help

 

[doc05]

You're matched. Things will probably work out. Please don't complain because most IMGs don't experience your success. Good luck.

 

[rokshana]

You're matched. Things will probably work out. Please don't complain because most IMGs don't experience your success. Good luck.

This is different situation in that he is not happy with his spot but is very(justifiably)concerned that his visa needs were not taken into account and he might lose his matched spot. Being passive and incorrectly thinking that things will work out is the wrong approach.

I’m surprised though that the program wants to do the H1b as opposed to the j1 since it’s isially the other way around.
Y’all to the gme office...they probably would have a better feel for the requirements.

 

[mcl]

I’m surprised though that the program wants to do the H1b as opposed to the j1 since it’s isially the other way around.
Y’all to the gme office...they probably would have a better feel for the requirements.

Agreed. If the program doesn't have a lot of FMG/IMG residents, or if the PC is new, the person you spoke with may have the two visa types confused. There is usually another office that deals primarily with visa issues--our's is part of the Dean's Office, but it would also make sense for it to be within the GME Office. Someone there deals extensively with visas and can let you know what your next correct step will be. You could also call NRMP and ask if a program could use this to waive the match. I knee-jerk reaction would be no--you included the visa type that you'd need on your application, Match results are binding, and therefore it would be on the program to make that work. I truly hope it works out for you!

 

[RuralMedicine]

The topic also uploaded in International forum;

Dear fellow co-residents and medical students,

I learned where I matched yesterday. I called Program Coordinator. He said they would apply H1b visa for me. I said well you know I am on J1 Research so I may not be qualified for H1b. It would be better and easier to obtain ECFMG sponsored J1. He said they don`t accept J1. I said your GME page says hospital both sponsors J1 and H1, if you matched me, an IMG( who clearly stated that he is on J J1 Research in his ERAS Application), how can you say we can`t accept J1? Plus we don`t even know whether Statement of Department would approve for H1b in my case as it is much difficult visa to obtain for an IMG. I could not sleep even a second yesterday night. If they terminate match agreement , that would ruin my career.So questions;

1) Have you ever heard a case like this?

2) If the program is not willing to sponsor visa for me, who should i contact? Who would give me an advice and stand by me? ECFMG? NRMP? or AAMC?

I am super scared as I spent my career savings on residency match. And I matched!! But I don`t even know where this case would go 🙁

Thank You for your help

Congratulations on your match! You are correct that you will need to continue residency on a J (and then return to your country of origin for at least two years or waive your J1 when you complete your residency). If you had an immigration attorney help you with your current J it may be easiest to have him/her reach out to the university legal department working on Visas (or whatever firm they use to help with this).

 

[tuberculosis]

I went from a research J1 to an H1b for residency, and I know other people who did the same with no problems at all. It was approved in under two weeks with premium processing.

 

[chalamilasidney]

I went from a research J1 to an H1b for residency, and I know other people who did the same with no problems at all. It was approved in under two weeks with premium processing.

I thought J1 visa had a "return home for 2 years / waive requirement". Is the research J1 visa different from the ECFMG J1? I am a non-US IMS (International Medical Student) and I was looking forward to working in a lab for one year before applying for residency. I am encouraged to know that there's a smooth transition from research J1 to H1B.

 

[Donald Juan]

I can't claim to know much about visas, but I do know that programs are obligated to comply after match with what they promised prior to match per ACGME regulations. They can't just pull the rug out from under you, assuming like you say you were up front prior and their website states they would accommodate your particular situation.

 

[MBBS_124]

You should be happy about the match 🙂