One simple form mistake can crush years of hard work for international students in the US. Recently, a devastating visa glitch showed how fragile a medical student’s future can be.
A third-year internal medicine resident, who matched into a Hematology/Oncology fellowship, is now at risk of losing it due to an issue with his J-1 visa.
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The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals coming to the US for exchange programs, including medical training. Part of the process includes submitting a Statement of Need (SoN), which proves that the home country needs professionals in that field.
Originally, this doctor submitted a SoN from Canada, where he had permanent residency (PR). But because his Canadian PR expired, he assumed his SoN could be switched to his home country. However, the rules don’t allow this change once the J-1 visa is granted.
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Now, the doctor faces the risk of losing his fellowship starting in July 2025. This will be a major blow to him as he deals with the added stress of a young son who relies on vital autism therapies. Any disruption in that treatment would have serious effects on his son’s care.
The bureaucratic horror is taking a toll on this person as he asks for advice, but only a good immigration lawyer in the US and Canada would be his best bet now.
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