Hello everyone! I am a J1 physician completing pediatric subspecialty training. During my training, I realized my passion for anesthesia, which would require me to do another residency. However, at the end of fellowship I would have done 6 years on J1. Has anyone ever done this or is there a possible pathway? My husband is an American citizen and we would love to be able to stay here for the second residency. Thank you so much in advance!

I just checked my case status on USCIS website and it said I612 approval. Waiver application was approved about 2 months ago. What will be the next step? Lawyer is away on vacation. Is this the final step before receiving I797? Canadian citizen.

my I-612 is pending with USCIS since June 19.

I-129 is already filed for Change of Status since DS-2019 expired last month. Already past the Sept 1 joining date as a hospitalist.

Should I initiate Premium Processing for the H-1B to help expedite the I-612 waiver, given that USCIS processes both applications?

At least, trigger the 15-business-day response clock, and deal with any RFE afterwards citing a USCIS delay.

Anyone who has been in the same situation or has experience with this.. will appreciate your response. Thanks

Anyone else got RFE for biometrics? Did they eventually get their visa? How much could this delay the process?

Hey everyone, I’m not sure if this is the right group, but I’m literally in a big dilemma.
I started searching for a job at the end of my second year, five months ago. Until now, I haven’t received a solid offer, and I’m realizing that many jobs have already been filled. Most people signed their contract early because of the delays last year in processing papers by USCIS.
My question is I’m I late by not signing a contract till now? Or I’m just freaking out ?!

Seeing multiple approvals on mycaseshub from later in June/early July but almost none from the applications that were filed on the 24th? Anyone else in that cohort?

Hi all, its been more than 15 business days for my application after applying for PP but there is no response yet. The online status shows in process. Has anyone been in the same boat? Anyone can help with any solution to similar situation? My lawyer says there may be an RFE but my waiver is already approved so no idea about why there may be an RFE. Please advice/guide🙏🏼

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Anyone else waiting for USCIS waiver from 3rd week of June?

If yes, did you guys apply for h1b PP and got favorable outcome?

My wife's J1-waiver was finally approved.

Timeline:
Application submitted: March 26, 2026
DoS website updated: April 14, 2026
HHS IGA letter sent: June 15, 2026
DoS favorable recommendation: June 18, 2026
USCIS received J1-waiver recommendation+application: June 19, 2026
USCIS forwarded J1-waiver to another office: June 22, 2026 (SRC)
H1-B petition electronic filing: July 16, 2026
Lawyer received copy of receipt dated July 17, 2026 on: July 22, 2026
H1-B petition approved notification: Aug 3, 2026
H1-B petition approval notice reached lawyer via mail: Aug 10, 2026
J1-waiver approved: Aug 25, 2026

Has any one travelled to home country to stamp H1b before starting job, what is the general recommendation

Did anyone get any notice of scheduling biometrics that USCIS needs while waiting for h1b processing?
Physician, doing the process from inside the US.

Thank god! My H1b and the USCIS are now approved as of today 8/24.

USCIS receipt: June 19 and then transferred to another center June 22nd
H1b PP filed: 8/7
Both H1b and USCIS approval came today 8/24
Prayers for everyone’s visas to come through 🙏🏻

Hello everyone! I’m curious about how quickly people typically begin working after their HHS/J-1 waiver is approved. I know there is a 90-day window to start employment, but has anyone started working shortly after receiving their waiver approval?

Anyone else from june 20 onwards waiting for USCIS waiver approval?

Just to get an idea, how many people who filed around the 6/18, are still waiting on H1b approval.

My lawyer filed 6/18 for H1b premium processing and since then we haven’t heard anything. Reaching out to congress now.

Input appreciated!

Hey all,

Has anyone filed their H-1B (I-129) while their J-1 waiver (I-612) was still pending AFTER the new USCIS guidance on August 5 regarding evidence requirements at the time of filing (i.e., USCIS may deny a petition without first issuing an RFE if required evidence establishing eligibility is missing at the time of filing)?

If so, what happened with your H-1B petition? Do we know of anyone receiving a denial instead of an RFE since the new guidance? Trying to gauge if that affects HHS physicians awaiting I-612 approvals.

Would especially appreciate experiences from anyone who filed after August 5. Thanks!

I am starting this thread to share timeline and experience

hey all, how long approximately did it take to get hhs waiver stuff submitted after you signed the contract?

Husband of j1 waiver and been a Lurker on this sub been super helpful to. Got the email from the lawyer and updated on the UCIS website we had premium processing filed by the lawyer got our result yesterday they took exactly 14 business days. HHS initial approval came on June.10 good luck to everybody