Visas for International Medical Graduates

U.S. Immigration Services for
International Physicians and Scientists

At Teplen Law Group, PLLC, we have extensive experience guiding international medical graduates (IMG) and scientists through the complex immigration process. Some of the more common options our lawyers use to achieve that goal include:

• J-1 visas: The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant, “exchange visitor” visa used by many international medical graduates and scientists to gain entry into the United States for training. Our firm specializes in obtaining J-1 visa waivers of the two-year home residency requirement so that physicians can continue work after completion of studies without having to leave the United States, regardless of 212 (e) with limitations.
• H-1B visas: Physicians who have completed all three steps of USMLE and their ECFMG, or who have graduated from a U.S. medical school or who enter for research only, may be eligible for the H-1B visa. Additionally, it is possible to qualify some foreign schools as equivalent to U.S. medical schools or to obtain waivers of internship for physicians of extraordinary ability.
• Scientists and IMGs who possess a bachelor’s degree, its foreign equivalent or in some cases, a combination of relevant study and experience, may also be eligible for the H-1B visa. However, these visas are capped at 65,000 annually unless certain conditions apply, such as “not for profit” employees or medical waiver matters and must be carefully planned for well in advance. Our team of experienced professionals will review your case to determine whether you are eligible for a cap-subject or cap-exempt H-1B visa.
• O-1 visas: Foreign physicians and scientists who have demonstrated “extraordinary ability” in their discipline may qualify for temporary admission into the United States via the O-1 visa. This visa may often be renewed on an ongoing and indefinite basis. Teplen Law Group, PLLC, has unique experience in satisfying the USCIS needs to qualify for O-1 status.

National Interest Waivers (NIW): The NIW can be a fast track option to permanent residency (“Green Card”) for foreign physicians and scientists, allowing then to apply for permanent residency without needing a labor certification. The NIW applies to foreign nationals with exceptional ability, or an advanced degree, which can show that their activities will substantially benefit the U.S. national interest. The NIW also applies to foreign physicians who agree to work full time in a health professional shortage area where a federal agency or state department of public health has determined that the physician’s work is in the public interest. The physician must agree to work in the professional shortage area for an aggregate of five years.

To learn more about how Teplen Law Group, PLLC can meet your immigration needs for a medical graduate or scientist visa, contact us online or call our New York City offices directly.

Our Experience and Expertise in Obtaining Foreign Medical Graduate Visas

In sum, our firm’s experience and success with applications for medical graduate visas, J-1 waivers of the 212(e) two-year home-country requirement, licensing and permanent residence for physicians has been extraordinary.

In fact, attorneys at our firm have not only assisted thousands of physicians (and their families) to come to the United States to train, work, and live — we have been consulted by numerous government agencies regarding the drafting and administration of their programs.

Our firm has also built and maintained associations with several hospitals, clinics, medical research scientists, and private practices in New York and across the nation, and possess valuable experience working with nearly every relevant federal agency, including: the U.S. Department of Defense, National Institute of Health, U.S. Informational Agency, individual military branches, Department of Education, Department of Human Services, the Appalachian Regional Commission and with Conrad State 30 programs administered by State health departments.

Our legal services extend beyond the initial immigration concerns of the physician, to include assistance with state licensure requirements, contract negotiation and private practice agreements, so as to best assist in successful settlement.

Guiding the Way to America Since 1983

For more information on foreign scientist and medical graduate visas, or to speak with an experienced attorney about your individual concerns, call us in New York City at 212-401-4040, reach us Toll-Free in the U.S. at 800-244-5266 or contact us online.