Obtaining a US visa for nurses typically involves a few steps, depending on the specific visa category and the individual’s circumstances. Here are some common routes:

1. Immigrant Visas (Green Cards):
   • Employment-Based Immigration: Nurses may qualify for certain employment-based immigrant visas, such as the EB-2 or EB-3 category, if they meet the requirements, including having a job offer from a US employer and the necessary qualifications.
   • Diversity Visa Lottery: Nurses from eligible countries may participate in the Diversity Visa Lottery program, which allocates a certain number of immigrant visas each year to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the US.
2. Non-immigrant Visas:
   • H-1B Visa: Nurses with a job offer from a US employer may be eligible for the H-1B visa if they meet the educational and professional requirements. However, H-1B visas for nursing positions can be challenging due to specific regulatory requirements.
   • TN Visa: Nurses from Canada or Mexico may be eligible for the TN visa under the NAFTA agreement, provided they meet the educational and licensing requirements.
   • J-1 Visa: The Exchange Visitor Program offers J-1 visas for individuals participating in approved exchange programs, including some nursing and doctors programs.
3. Temporary Worker Visas:
   • H-2B Visa: Nurses may be eligible for the H-2B visa if they are coming to the US to perform temporary non-agricultural work and if there are no US workers available to fill the position.
   • H-3 Visa: The H-3 visa is for individuals coming to the US for training that is not available in their home country. Some nursing training programs may qualify under this category.
4. Family-Based Immigration: Nurses who have immediate relatives who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents may be eligible for family-sponsored immigrant visas.

It’s essential for nurses considering working in the US to carefully review the specific requirements and consult with an immigration attorney to determine the most appropriate visa category for their situation. Additionally, the process and requirements may vary depending on factors such as the nurse’s country of origin and the specific job offer. For a 30 minute free consultation pleaee contact attorney Saba Rashid at the Law Office of Saba Haq Rashid, PLLC.

J VISA

The J visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the United States to individuals participating in work-and-study-based exchange visitor programs. It’s designed for cultural and educational exchange purposes, allowing foreign nationals to temporarily stay in the U.S. to study, teach, conduct research, demonstrate special skills, or receive on-the-job training for periods ranging from a few weeks to several years. J visa programs cover a wide range of fields, including education, research, arts, and more.

The J visa covers a diverse range of fields, including:

1. Au Pair and EduCare: Participants provide childcare services for a host family while studying at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
2. Camp Counselor: Participants work at summer camps in the U.S., leading and supervising children’s activities.
3. Intern: Participants engage in practical training programs that enhance their skills in their chosen academic field.
4. Trainee: Participants engage in structured training programs that enhance their skills in their occupational field.
5. Teacher: Participants engage in teaching in accredited primary and secondary schools, including exchange programs for teachers.
6. Research Scholar: Participants engage in research activities, observations, or consultations in connection with a research project.
7. Professor: Participants engage in teaching, lecturing, observing, or consulting at post-secondary accredited academic institutions.
8. Specialist: Participants engage in a program involving a combination of observation, consultation, research, training, or demonstration of special skills.
9. Summer Work Travel: University students from outside the U.S. work and travel in the U.S. during their summer vacation.

These are just some examples, and there are other specific categories and subcategories under the J visa program. Each category has its own eligibility requirements and regulations.

For a 30 minute free consultation pleaee contact attorney Saba Rashid at the Law Office of Saba Haq Rashid, PLLC.

J 1 VISA PROGRAM FOR MEDICAL DCOTORS:

Medical doctors typically enter the United States under the J-1 visa program for foreign medical graduates. This program allows foreign medical graduates to participate in graduate medical education or training programs (residency or fellowship) sponsored by accredited U.S. institutions such as hospitals or medical schools.

In addition to obtaining a J-1 visa, foreign medical graduates sponsored by ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) must also obtain a special visa waiver through the Conrad 30 Waiver Program or other applicable waiver programs if they wish to remain in the U.S. to practice medicine after completing their residency or fellowship training.

It’s worth noting that some medical professionals may also enter the U.S. under other visa categories, such as the H-1B visa for specialized occupations, or the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field. However, for medical graduates specifically seeking residency or fellowship training in the U.S., the J-1 visa is the most common pathway.

The process for obtaining a J-1 visa for medical doctors seeking to participate in graduate medical education or training programs (residency or fellowship) in the United States typically involves several steps. Here’s an overview:

1. Apply and Match: The first step for medical doctors is to apply for residency or fellowship programs through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) or other matching programs if applicable.
2. Program Sponsorship: Once accepted into a residency or fellowship program, the medical doctor’s sponsoring institution (usually a hospital or medical school) will act as the J-1 visa sponsor. They will issue a Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) to the doctor.
3. Acceptance by ECFMG: If the medical doctor is an international medical graduate, they must be certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). This involves passing the required exams, including the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Steps 1, 2CK, and 2CS, as well as meeting other eligibility criteria.
4. Application for J-1 Visa: With the Form DS-2019 from their sponsoring institution and other required documentation, the medical doctor applies for the J-1 visa at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. This typically involves completing the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application, scheduling an interview, and paying the visa application fee.
5. Attend Visa Interview: The medical doctor attends the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, they may be asked about their background, intentions in the U.S., and their plans after completing the training program.
6. J-1 Visa Issuance: If approved, the embassy or consulate will issue the J-1 visa stamp in the doctor’s passport.
7. Entry into the U.S.: With the J-1 visa, the medical doctor can travel to the United States. Upon arrival, they must present their passport with the J-1 visa stamp, Form DS-2019, and any other required documentation to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.
8. Program Validation and SEVIS Registration: After arrival in the U.S., the medical doctor’s sponsoring institution will register their program in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and validate their J-1 status.
9. Compliance with J-1 Program Requirements: Throughout their residency or fellowship training, the medical doctor must comply with the requirements of the J-1 program, including maintaining health insurance coverage, reporting any changes in their program or personal information, and adhering to the two-year home residency requirement if applicable.

It’s essential for medical doctors to familiarize themselves with the specific requirements and regulations of the J-1 visa program and consult with their sponsoring institution’s designated J-1 Responsible Officer (RO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for guidance and support throughout the process. For a 30 minute free consultation please contact attorney Saba Rashid at the Law Office of Saba Haq Rashid, PLLC.