J1 advisory opinion decision from Dept of State

[gwapingMD]

I sought an advisory opinion recently to inquire whether I am subject to the 2 year home rule based on the skills list of my country (Philippines).

I have been doing Cardiology Research for almost 2 years now. I was suprised to find the decision of the Department of State that I was subject to the 2 year home rule since they determined that this is a medical specialization (category 2b). Isn't medical specialization considered as post-doctoral training (i.e. residency and fellowship) which is normally sponsored by the ECFMG? How come they have separate category of medical research and not consider it as medical specialization which is obviously what I am doing? Should they consider cancer research as a medical specialization as well which is listed in the skills list for my country? How different in categories should cancer research and cardiology research should be?

I have not been funded by any goverment agency for my current program.

Kindly advise.

I would suggest you have an immigration lawyer do a basic brief/letter and submit it. There are many grey areas in this section of law and this may be one.

[gwapingMD]

Thank you for your reply. I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Unregistered I would suggest you have an immigration lawyer do a basic brief/letter and submit it. There are many grey areas in this section of law and this may be one.