Additional Topics > Changing Employer During 3 Year J1 Waiver Period

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