With a world-class private healthcare system and high-remuneration positions available in a diverse range of locations across the country, the United States has long been an attractive destination for doctors looking to move abroad in order to take the next step in their careers. There are currently four main visa categories that are typically used by doctors seeking to live and work in the USA.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B Visa is a temporary work visa targeted at professionals with recognised degrees who work in specified occupations, such as medical practice, and who have a job offer from an employer in the US. H-1B visas are initially valid for three years, with the possibility to extend this to six years and the right to reapply for a new visa as the first one expires.
H-1B visas have a limited application period and a strict cap on the total number of visas issued (65,000 ‘regular’ visas and 20,000 visas for holders of higher degrees from US institutions). The application window each year typically opens on the first working day in April, and closes as soon as the cap has been reached.
Applicants must ensure that they have a valid job offer and that they have obtained a license to practice in the state in which they are intending to work. They will only be permitted to practice in the location mentioned in their application and their sponsor’s labor condition filing. In addition to filing fees payable by the sponsoring employer, there is also a basic USD 460 application fee for the individual submitting the H-1B application.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 Visa is a temporary visa intended for individuals who are intending to travel to the US for an exchange program, whether study- or work-based. Most US residency programs will facilitate participation of non-American doctors by sponsoring applications for a J-1 visa, which is renewable on a yearly basis.
In addition to a place on a recognised training program and sponsorship via the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), applicants will also require a ‘statement of need’ from the Ministry of Health of their home country (or last country of permanent residence).
Recipients of a J-1 visa are required to return to their home country for no less than two years once their training in the US has been completed. Without a waiver (usually on the grounds of persecution, exceptional hardship or sponsorship by a US Government Agency), failure to complete this home residence requirement is likely to affect any future applications to enter the US.
The basic application fee for a J-1 visa is USD 160, which does not include the cost of obtaining proof of sponsorship or statement of need.
O-1 Visa
An O-1 Visa is most typically used by individuals who can prove an extraordinary ability in their field, usually science, business, arts, athletics, entertainment or education. However, there are some circumstances under which this may be a valid option for a doctor, particularly those who are planning to undertake research or who can prove that they have received substantial formal recognition of extraordinary ability in a scientific field.
O-1 Visas must be applied for by a sponsor; individuals can not submit applications on their own behalf.
TN Visa
TN visas are only available to citizens of Canada or Mexico under the provisions of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Canadian citizens may be able to declare their intentions to claim a TN visa at the US border, however Mexican citizens would have to do so in advance of their travel to the border.
Applicants for a TN non-immigrant visa should be prepared to demonstrate that they have a pre-arranged part-time or full-time job offer in the US in an eligible profession, and requiring a specalist qualification.
Fees for a TN visa vary from USD 50 if applied for at the border to USD 185 if an interview at a consulate is required.
Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
Employment as a doctor is a good foundation for an application for a US green card, which confers permanent work and residence rights upon the holder. It is also possible for doctors who commit to working in certain areas (usually for a period of at least five years) to acquire an EB-2 category green card without a prior job offer.
Tailored visa advice for medical professionals
VisaEnvoy is a truly international migration firm, with a long track record of working with both companies and private individuals to understand their personal circumstances and visa needs, and helping them get the right visa for them as quickly and hassle-free as possible.
We understand that the key to a successful visa application is understanding both our clients and the immigration systems with which we work. A critical part of that work is keeping on top of the frequent changes to the immigration systems and visa categories of the countries in which we operate.
Our friendly, professional team of migration agents and immigration solicitors work with trusted partners in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, as well as in Canada and the United States.
If you would like to know more about VisaEnvoy, our agents or the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with a member of our team to discuss the needs of you or your company.