Staying for 5 months on B1/B2

[doconboard]

Hello,

I have a multiple entry b1/b2 visa valid till 2018. My last trip to the US was in December and I stayed for around 2 months (Came back starting of Feb 014). The purpose of visit was to attend interviews for medical residency training programs. Unfortunately, I was not able to get into into any programs where I interviewed. This year, I am planning to reapply IA. I will be going to the US in September and will stay till January. I come back end Jan and the results would be out in March so if I get in this year IA, I will have to apply for an H1 and J1 to start work at the hospital.
I am a bit concerned about staying for 5 months. I am planning to apply to more programs this time hence, the longer stay. Can there be any potential problems at the port of entry?
Would it affect my application for an H1/ J1 later?

Please advice.

Doc-on-board.

Ps: I have never over stayed in the US and have never done anything illegal .

[peace999]

When you enter in sept. it will be wise to take several interview letters with dates spread over 4 months. That way you can tell the admitting officer at the airport,
you will be interviewing several programs over 4 months , that way he can give you a stay of upto 6 months.

Staying 5 months as long as it is within your authorized stay, will in no way affect the J-1, H-1 process, or for that matter anything else.

[doconboard]

When you enter in sept. it will be wise to take several interview letters with dates spread over 4 months. That way you can tell the admitting officer at the airport,
you will be interviewing several programs over 4 months , that way he can give you a stay of upto 6 months.

Staying 5 months as long as it is within your authorized stay, will in no way affect the J-1, H-1 process, or for that matter anything else.

Thank you so much.

The problem is that interview interviews don't come untill end September. I am leaving early to do a month long Observership for a month (Unpaid Volunteering at a hospital where you just observe other physicians) to strengthen my CV. I am afraid that the consular would get a false impression that I am going to work or something.

[peace999]

Observership is the norm these days, I think every IMG does that before applying for residency . Some officers at entry may not be familiar with that but your letter of observership detailing that it is unpaid and it is not work should do fine.

[doconboard]

Observership is the norm these days, I think every IMG does that before applying for residency . Some officers at entry may not be familiar with that but your letter of observership detailing that it is unpaid and it is not work should do fine.

Yep. That's right.

The didn't give me any formal letter but I have emails in which the coordinator has clearly mentioned that there is no hands on experience as I wont be covered by malpractice insurance and I would be responsible for lodging and transportation.
Would a printout of the email thread suffice or should I request them for a formal letter?