USA Medical Professionals

Whilst the methods of immigration to the US discussed here are also explored in depth on the relevant pages of the website, this page will briefly examine the options focusing upon their particular relevance to medical professionals.

Benefits

J1 Visas

The USA immigration options for medical professionals vary considerably in terms of their duration. As discussed elsewhere on the site, J-1 visas for the USA are intended as non-immigrant visas and will not lead to the opportunity to apply for an American Green Card. J1 visas allow medical professionals to relocate to the USA in order to undergo training or to observe, teach, consult or conduct research. 

As a non-immigrant visa the J-1 bypasses some of the requirements for the longer term H1-B however, candidates must have successfully passed the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in Medical Sciences and have a solid grasp of the English language. 

In addition, candidates will also be subject to the Home Residence Requirement or HRR, which much like the Training and Work Experience Scheme or TWES in the UK, requires the candidate to remain outside the country at the end of their training for a period of two years.

H-1B Visas

The H-1B visa, as discussed elsewhere on this website functions in a similar manner to a UK work permit and is aimed at skilled migrants relocating to the USA to perform specific pre-arranged roles. Although H-1B visas are classed as non-immigrant visas, a common practice among those wishing to remain in the USA indefinitely is to begin H1-B and US Green Card proceedings at the same time. Since the process of 

applying

 for a Green Card can be lengthy, this approach allows the candidate to progress smoothly from the temporary United States visa to permanent residency.

Permanent residence itself offers a wealth of benefits to the successful candidate, affording them many of the rights and privileges enjoyed by US citizens with a few exceptions, most notably the right to vote. Permanent residents may live and work in the USA permanently with no time or work based restrictions placed upon them.

Eligibility Criteria

As discussed J-1 visas for the USA, when applied to medical applicants impose the eligibility criterion of the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in Medical Sciences and require competence in the English language, they also require that the applicant has obtained the support of an approved J-1 visa sponsoring organization in the United States prior to submitting their application.

Requirements for the longer-term H-1B immigration visa go further and require a range of criteria to be fulfilled. Aside from the presence of a verifiable employment offer from a US employer, candidates must also demonstrate that they have undergone a medical 

education

and that they are licensed to practice in their home country as well the state in which they will practice.

Dependants

Whilst spouse immigration and dependent immigration is permitted on all of the visa services outlined above, the exact terms vary between routes. Dependents of J1 visa holders will receive a US J-2 visa which will be valid for the same duration as the principle holder's permit. Holders of USA J-2 visas are permitted to study in the USA and to undertake employment, however, holders will be subject to the same conditions as the principle visa holder.

Dependents of applicants in possession of an H1 visa will be granted an H-4 visa which allows them to study in America although working is not permitted. For dependents of those achieving permanent resident status to live in the USA, the same rights and privileges as the principle applicant would be granted. Find out further information on our Nurses page.