J-1 Transfer: Research to Clinical Visa Contact GME/Breanna Stoll with visa questions

J-1 Research Visa? The J-1 Research Visa is designed for internationally trained graduates to conduct a specified research project in the United States. Typically does not require 2-year return to home country May not “touch patients” on this type of visa May not participate in GME training on this type of visa Often used as a doorway to clinical training in the US Hence the need to transfer from J-1 Research to Clinical

Something to Consider Process takes 3 – 8 months! And, no guarantee!

Required J-1 Transfer Documents Fully executed contract (signed by applicant & PD) Current CV Copy of passport name page(s) Copies of all previous DS-2019s (work authorization documents from DOS – Department of State) Current I-94 Form (Arrival/Departure Record)

Required J-1 Transfer Documents (cont.) Statement of Need from ministry of health Country Alerts: China (Significant Time Delay!): local Chinese hospital must sponsor the applicant that hospital sends a certified letter to China’s new ministry of health called the “National Health and Family Planning Commission of China (NHFPCC)” NHFPCC decides whether or not they will provide the statement of need India (1-4 months) Applicant signs $25,000 bond to return to India after training Too many graduates getting waivers & staying in US

Required J-1 Transfer Documents (cont.) Statement of Educational Objectives (written by applicant) Outlines US educational objectives Correlation between current research activities & proposed clinical activities How training relates to anticipated activities upon return to home country Typically 1-3 pages

Required J-1 Transfer Documents (cont.) If joining a Fellowship; Program Description Which meets ECFMG requirements (Ask GME for template) If joining a Non-Accredited Fellowship: ABMS/equivalent Member Board Recognition Letter if not currently recognized by ECFMG GMEC Endorsement & Parent Program Verification

Required J-1 Transfer Documents (cont.) Responsible Officer Form Signed by current sponsoring institution – agreeing to release the researcher as soon as change of category is approved Research Mentor Support Letter Clearly explaining how research activities relate to proposed clinical training Clinical Program Director Support Letter

Required J-1 Transfer Documents (cont.) Applicant pays application fees $435 ECFMG ($275 regular + $160 change of category) $233 DOS (Department of State) $180 SEVIS Applicant must maintain J-1 “research scholar” status during the change of category request DOS reserves up to 60 days for review This is after all documents have been submitted and reviewed by ECFMG ECFMG is only notified when a decision is made – no info during process Program & applicant may find out at last minute that the application was denied

Call Breanna (1-2401) with any visa questions