Receive a laboratory training at a US University while on NOA1

[MK2017 29]

Hi everyone, 

 

I'm trying to figure out how to proceed with this dilemma that I'm facing and would really appreciate any insight that this great community could give me 

 

Im the beneficiary. We got our NOA1 in August 8 and are currently waiting for the NOA2.

Right after we sent it, a professor/friend of mine offered me a job at his University Lab under a J1 visa. Since we had sent the package and had got the NOA1, this great community helped me to realize that the best option was to see if he could wait until I got at the US, since after the K1 application a J1 visa approval would be very unlikely and could bring me issues in the future.

He said that he could wait until January, what in August was good, because the whole process were taking 3-5 months and it all would work out. But now that only the NOA2 is taking 6 mo I dont think that I will be in the US before March/April.

This 2 mo delay put the project that my professor is working on in a major problem, specially because he need time to taught me all that I'll have to perform and how he want the whole laboratory work. So we wonder if I could go there now, while waiting for the NOA2, get my training and get back here for the medical exams and interview.

Im under a B1/B2 visa and it would be a unpaid training for now. 

 

My concern is if this could raise any red flags when I ask to expedite my WP after the AOS (since he will get me a proper job offer when i get in the US) and also at the interview for the green card, as they could think that i worked without authorization.

Again there wont be any salary now, I would only get the experience and training under the protocol and analysis of the data at this research project.  

 

Thanks in advance and I hope that I didnt make this whole text too confusing 

[Meri Thomas 2]

Hi MK,

 

I can share my experience with you.

We started the K1 process on October 2016. On November 2016 I came from Brazil to US with a B1/B2 Visa. At the port of entrance, the officer asked the traditional "What are you here for?" I explained that I was here to visit my boyfriend. Than she asked "For how long?" It was 2 months. She checked the computer and saw that it was my third time here as a tourist in the same year. She asked if I don't work? Who was supporting me for the trips? I told that I have my savings. Buy the end she stamped my passport allowing me to stay legally here for 6 months. Ufa! I didn't create any fake situation.

I can tell you that it is legal and you can come with your B1/B2 as a tourist while waiting for the K1. As you are going to do training at the university, check first if it is necessary another type of visa.

 

I hope that I could help!

 

 

 

[MK2017 29]

On 21/12/2017 at 4:18 PM, Meri Thomas said:

Hi MK,

 

I can share my experience with you.

We started the K1 process on October 2016. On November 2016 I came from Brazil to US with a B1/B2 Visa. At the port of entrance, the officer asked the traditional "What are you here for?" I explained that I was here to visit my boyfriend. Than she asked "For how long?" It was 2 months. She checked the computer and saw that it was my third time here as a tourist in the same year. She asked if I don't work? Who was supporting me for the trips? I told that I have my savings. Buy the end she stamped my passport allowing me to stay legally here for 6 months. Ufa! I didn't create any fake situation.

I can tell you that it is legal and you can come with your B1/B2 as a tourist while waiting for the K1. As you are going to do training at the university, check first if it is necessary another type of visa.

 

I hope that I could help!

 

 

 

Thank you for your response. End up that I had to gave up from my training and future job opportunity! My actions could be misunderstood by the immigration and jeopardy the hole process