Visa, ERAS and Residency (Need a PD's Help)

[R Sterling]

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I am hoping for a program director's input on this one.

I need a visa, preferably an H1. I would like to know from a PD, do some programs automatically filter out people who need a visa? There are many choices to select from on ERAS, and I have a feeling that some of the options causes confusion among PDs, especially 'Pending Applicant for Permanent Residency'. Does immigration status play a huge role in offering an interview? I think this is what is keeping me from getting enough interviews despite applying to many programs.

Also, would an Employment Authorization Document be acceptable for residency? If so, I can work on getting one. ( I know a lot of the ins and outs of immigration, I don't know what goes through a PD's mind!) No sponsorship would be needed then.

Thanks.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

Yes, and no. It depends.

Some programs will not sponsor any visas. It's a bunch of paperwork, and anyone who has done this long enough has had one go bad -- either really delayed, or someone goes home and can't come back, or any number of other problems. Visas are controlled (usually) by the GME office, so sometimes a PD really doesn't have a choice.

Some programs will not care, and will take the "best" applicant ignoring visa status.

Some programs will only offer J visas, some will offer H's. Any that offer visas will likely be happy with an EAD (but those are usually generated by the applicant, and you'd need to prove that you would really have one in time)

 

[R Sterling]

Yes, and no. It depends.

Some programs will not sponsor any visas. It's a bunch of paperwork, and anyone who has done this long enough has had one go bad -- either really delayed, or someone goes home and can't come back, or any number of other problems. Visas are controlled (usually) by the GME office, so sometimes a PD really doesn't have a choice.

Some programs will not care, and will take the "best" applicant ignoring visa status.

Some programs will only offer J visas, some will offer H's. Any that offer visas will likely be happy with an EAD (but those are usually generated by the applicant, and you'd need to prove that you would really have one in time)

Thanks for the info! So would a program that doesn't sponsor visas, would they take an EAD? Do you think PDs in the NYC area know about EADs since there is an abundance of IMGs here? Also, would stating that you have an EAD give you a better chance at getting interviews versus stating that you need visa sponsorship?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

So would a program that doesn't sponsor visas, would they take an EAD?

Maybe, you'd need to ask. Probably, since they don't need to do anything if you have an EAD. I'm not quite sure how you are going to get one without a visa, though, unless you're waiting for a GC.

Do you think PDs in the NYC area know about EADs since there is an abundance of IMGs here?

I'm sure they do.

Also, would stating that you have an EAD give you a better chance at getting interviews versus stating that you need visa sponsorship?

Probably yes.