H1 renew is neccessary

drsetareh · Posted : Fri Jun 20, 2008 Post subject: H1 renew is neccessary

my H1 visa will be expired within 3 months. I passed all usmle steps but 3 and I'm planning to take it till end of july 2008. I'm planning to participate in mach 2009 and I'm preparing my documents. I have some questions,first of all do I need renew my visa for 3 more years with current employer,while hopefully I match to a residency program and they can sponsor my visa.
I mean can i get another kind of visa for at least 6 months ,so till then the program I will do my residency sponsor me. I mean can i apply for programs thay sponsor H1 while I have another kind of visa? for example B or F visa?
Thanks

root · Posted : Fri Jun 20, 2008 Post subject:

You will have to get your old employer sponsor you H1B visa. Having relapse in your visa status can affect future visa decisions.

you will probably hit 6 year limit before residency will complete.

You have two choices:
* either switch to J1 visa which I guess you dont like.
* try to find an employer to file green card for you before you join them and that may probably help you survive 6 month issue.

Also, some programs do file green cards while completing residency, though these kind of programs are rare.

Unfortunately you cannot do residency on a F or B visa.