Numerous Nepali doctors have reported that the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu has rejected their J-1 visa applications, also known as Exchange Visitor Visas. These rejections occurred following visa interviews conducted last week.
These doctors had secured residency positions in the United States and sought J-1 visas to join the residency programs. However, the January invalidation of USMLE scores for Nepali candidates has complicated the residency match process in the U.S. Despite these challenges, some doctors managed to obtain residencies but are now facing difficulties with their J-1 visa applications, causing concern for their future careers.
The visa denials have not only affected those who have been interviewed but also those awaiting their appointments, increasing anxiety among them. The embassy has also canceled some individuals’ previous visitor visas, marking them ‘Cancel without prejudice’.
Allegations have surfaced of visa officers using harsh language during interviews, referring to the past USMLE score invalidations of some Nepali doctors.
NepYork reached out to the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. A spokesperson affirmed the department’s dedication to promoting cultural exchange and mobility for international medical students via initiatives like the BridgeUSA Physician Exchange.
“The Department of State is committed to facilitating cultural exchange and international medical student mobility through programs such as the BridgeUSA Physician exchange. We recognize the important cultural, economic, and community contributions Physician participants bring to cities and towns across the United States,” said a spokesperson from the U.S. Department of State.
They added, “Every nonimmigrant visa applicant, including J-1 visa applicants seeking to participate in an exchange visitor program, must establish to the satisfaction of a consular officer that they will engage in activities consistent with the relevant visa classification. For applicants seeking to work or study in the United States, this requires that they establish that their planned employment or course of study is consistent with that permitted in the available visa category. Each J-1 visa applicant will also need to convince the adjudicating officer that they are credible travelers who overcome the presumption of immigrant intent.”
The State Department clarified that individual visa case details cannot be discussed due to U.S. law confidentiality requirements. Visa applications are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, in line with the Immigration and Nationality Act and State Department regulations. They advised, “All visa applications are adjudicated on their individual merits, in accordance with the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Department of State regulations.”
Physicians in Nepal seeking J-1 visas are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu for specific inquiries.
Furthermore, NepYork contacted the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), part of Intealth. Elizabeth (Liz) Ingraham, Assistant Vice President of Communications & External Affairs at Intealth, acknowledged the J-1 visa rejections faced by Nepali doctors.
“We have been contacted by some Nepali medical school graduates who have been approved by Intealth for J-1 visa sponsorship for the purpose of participating in a U.S. program of graduate medical education (GME), but whose J-1 visa applications have been denied by the U.S. embassy in Kathmandu,” she stated.
ECFMG has not received formal communication from the U.S. State Department or the embassy regarding the visa denials.
“We have not received any formal communication from the Department of State or its embassy regarding the reason(s) for the visa denials. The individuals who have contacted us indicated that the reason provided to them for the visa denials is insufficient ties to the home country,” Elizabeth explained.
“We are preparing a communication to be shared with U.S. consular officials. This communication reinforces that physicians who have been approved for Intealth J-1 visa sponsorship have been vetted by Intealth and found eligible, and that these individuals have a valid contract for a U.S. GME position that begins in June/July 2024. The communication also confirms the examination requirements for entering U.S. GME. Additionally, we are in communication with the America Nepal Medical Association (ANMA) and remain available to ANMA and others as a resource on this issue,” she added.
Keshab Raj Seadie, a notable Nepali-American immigration attorney, shed light on the situation. He noted that the USMLE score invalidation initially posed problems for Nepali doctors seeking residencies. Now, those with residencies are struggling to obtain J-1 visas from the embassy.
Seadie advised doctors in the U.S. on visitor or other non-immigrant visas to consider applying for a change of status to a J-1 visa. “They can apply for a change of status to J-1 visa. While those with visitor visas can enter the U.S. and apply for a change of status, they should be mindful of their program start dates,” Seadie recommended.
He pointed out that applying for an expedited change of status to a J-1 visa with additional fees could result in a decision within 30 days. However, he emphasized “this option is only viable for people already in the U.S. on other non-immigrant visas.”
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
