This physician, specializing in Internal Medicine, wanted to pursue a J-1 Waiver Transfer based purely on personal issues that lead to a successful argument of "extenuating circumstances." The IMG doctor was practicing in California while their fiancé was working in Pennsylvania. They were looking to start a family, and the circumstances requiring frequent travel for them to spend time together was causing the doctor depression, anxiety, and fatigue. This resulted in a health issue partially attributed to the physician's work schedule and environment by a mental health professional. We argued that the physician was unable to continue to work while maintaining their health.

The extenuating circumstances requirement of the J-1 Waiver Transfers is always our focus since all transfers must meet this standard to be approved. Here, we worked with the physician to collect and present all evidence possible that would illustrate their continued desire to complete the J-1 Waiver 3-year requirement while providing proof that it would not be possible for that to happen at their then-current place of employment. Although J-1 Waiver Transfers generally take 3-4 months, in this case, the total time from submission to approval was 1 ½ months.