CHANGING EMPLOYER DURING 3 YEAR J1 WAIVER PERIOD

1. It is possible to change employers during the 3 year J1 visa waiver period, so long as the following may need to be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the US Immigration Service:

1. Extenuating circumstances based on hardship exist

2. The hardship was beyond the physicians control and unforeseen

3. The physician was able to obtain a new employment contract for employment in another underserved area for the duration of the 3 year work obligation

4. The State Health Department has concurred on the physician's request to change employers

2. The US Immigration Service decides these requests to change jobs on a case-by-case basis. We have found that the following situations have allowed our clients to obtain approval for changing waiver jobs:

• Closure of the medical facility

• Breach of contract by employer

• Spouse of physician forced to move out of state for residency/fellowship training

• Urgent health / personal issues