J-1 Waivers for Physicians to Engage in Research of National or International Significance: Physicians who receive clinical medical residency training in the U.S. pursuant to a J-1 exchange visitor visa are required to return to their home country for two years before they are eligible to apply for an H-1B visa or permanent residency. J-1 visa physicians need not complete this two-year home requirement if they are approved for a waiver to engage in research of national or international significance under sponsorship from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
J-1, Exchange Visitor Waivers
The J-1 program enables qualified physicians to temporarily remain in the U.S. to participate in an exchange program administered by the U.S. Department of State. Other J-1 categories cover students, and researchers as well as business or industrial trainees. Eligible participants must demonstrate that they have a permanent residence in a foreign country, and have a Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (Form DS-2019) from a program sponsor.
Generally, a J-1 nonimmigrant is expected to return to their home country for two years after completion of their program; however it is sometimes possible to obtain a J waiver to eliminate this two-year requirement. If you are a foreign physician subject to the J-1 two-year home residency requirement, the following sections include additional information that may prove helpful: