07 Sep 2023

Overview of the J-1 Visa Process

Pursuant to the regulations, the J-1 program was established to "increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries by means of educational and cultural exchanges. Educational and cultural exchanges assist [the U.S. Department of State] in furthering...

29 May 2023

NIW for Physicians Completing J-1 Waiver Service

International medical graduates (IMGs) often overcome the two-year home residence requirement (HRR) through a waiver based on the support of an Interested Government Agency (IGA). These waivers require three years of service as a physician in certain designated underserved areas. The grant of this waiver...

28 May 2020

USCIS Provides Flexibility During Pandemic to Physicians Seeking Conrad 30 Waivers

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a policy memorandum containing some limited changes for certain foreign medical graduates during the COVID-19 national emergency. The new policy provides some relief from adverse immigration consequences to international medical graduates working in the U.S. in...

02 Jan 2020

I will soon be completing a J-1 medical residency program. I read online that it is possible to get a “no objection” waiver to the J-1 home residency requirement. How do I apply for this?

Answer There is a no objection waiver to the home residency requirement. Generally speaking, however, if a foreign national used the J-1 program to attend a medical residency program, they would not be eligible to use the no objection option. (02.Jan.2020)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...