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

2. 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

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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. Call Breanna (1-2401) with any visa questions