Immigration Attorneys For Healthcare Professionals

As the United States faces new healthcare issues and seeks cures for current epidemics, the need for more doctors, nurses and medical researchers increases exponentially. One solution to the problem is luring healthcare professionals from other countries to fill the gaps Americans can’t. If you’re a healthcare provider or other medical specialist, call Kats Immigration Law to learn if you qualify for a special visa to live and work in the U.S. Located in New York City, they also offer virtual consultations.

Why Do Healthcare Professionals Immigrate into the U.S.?

In the United States, healthcare professionals provide medical services, promote wellness, treat medical conditions and support Americans through their recovery. But the U.S. healthcare system requires enough medical professionals to deliver care and respond to health threats. Since there aren’t enough medical personnel to take care of an aging population, it isn’t uncommon for the country to promote medical immigration for:

• Doctors
• Nurses
• Medical researchers
• Other healthcare professionals

To increase your chances of successfully immigrating into the U.S., find an attorney with the knowledge and expertise regarding current immigration laws. Kats Immigration Law, with offices in Manhattan and Brooklyn, deals with these immigration-related cases. Led by Alina Kats, this team of legal professionals has helped many nurses and doctors gain legal employment in the U.S.

What Types of Healthcare Professionals Immigrate into the U.S.?

U.S. rules permit employment-based immigration to address the challenges of industry shortages. Immigration policies also enhance diversity and improve cultural competency within the profession. Healthcare professionals include:

• General and specialized doctors
• Dentists and periodontists
• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Surgeons
• Physical, occupational and speech therapists
• Medical laboratory, radiology and surgical technicians
• Hospital and clinical administrators
• Medical researchers

Choosing which specific visa category is best for you is complex business. The most common path for immigration is obtaining an H-1B visa. This visa allows a foreign-born healthcare professional to work in the country. But the process of obtaining a permanent residence or a green card for most healthcare professionals is complex.

What Visas Are Available for Healthcare Professionals?

The U.S. government offers many visa options for healthcare workers looking to immigrate into the United States, depending on your eligibility, the type of work you’re qualified to do and your preferences. These visas are based on your skills and job description. Common visa categories include:

• H-1B visa. This visa is for skilled workers, like doctors and nurses who are experienced.
• TN visa. This is for Canadian and Mexican nurses and medical professionals who come under NAFTA rules.
• EB-2 visa.  This one is for professionals with advanced degrees and exceptional abilities, such as medical specialists.
• EB-3 visa. This visa is for skilled workers and professionals, such as registered nurses.
• J-1 visa. This is mostly for exchange visitors, including medical interns and residents.
• O-1 visa. This visa is for those who have extraordinary abilities in the medical field.

Most doctors, nurses and medical researchers use the H-1B visa, since it applies to skilled specialists. Healthcare organizations rely on this visa to employ foreign workers with the skills that they’re missing. The H-1B visa fills the gaps in the healthcare system to meet the current level of demand when qualified Americans aren’t available.

Also, if you have an H1-B visa, you can apply for permanent residency through an adjustment of status. Your Kats Immigration Law attorney can help you apply, but the process starts with your employer sponsoring you to get an EB-2 or EB-3 visa, which is based on your job qualifications.

How Difficult Is the Visa Application Process for Healthcare Professionals?

Like all visa applications, the process can be complex. You need to follow the steps properly and in order. The process also varies, depending on your visa category and personal circumstances. For healthcare professionals, applying for employment-based immigration in the U.S. includes:

1. Make sure you’re eligible for your visa category. Consult an immigration attorney in New York City to learn your options.
2. Obtain a job offer from a U.S. employer who’s ready to sponsor your visa application.
3. Ask your employer to get a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor.
4. Make sure your employer files a petition on behalf of healthcare professionals with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
5. Review your documentation and file your application. Then you must patiently wait for the decision.
6. Undergo consular processing interview at your nearest U.S. embassy if you’re outside the U.S., or go through an adjustment of status process If you’re already in the U.S.
7. Pass a medical examination by a civil surgeon.

The entire process can take one-and-a-half to three-and-a-half years, depending on your visa category, the processing speed and the labor certification process. As a healthcare professional, you may face common challenges in the procedure, such as:

• Getting a job offer
• Ensuring labor certification
• Enduring a lengthy application process
• Obtaining the proper licensing and certification
• Navigating the ever-changing immigration policies
• Dealing with family factors

Why Should I Hire an Immigration Lawyer?

Doctors, nurses, medical researchers and other medical professionals should hire an immigration lawyer to help in the process and explain the procedures involved. An experienced immigration attorney provides many services, including:

• Staying up-to-speed on the always changing and complex immigration laws, so your lawyer understands which decisions are best for you
• Making sure your application form has no errors, which reduces the risk of costly re-filing
• Helping you obtain the necessary permit to work as an independent employee in the U.S.
• Providing customized strategic advice that improves your chances of success
• Streamlining the application process by ensuring you have all the required documentation
• Handling potential complications that arise during the application process
• Representing you in court, if necessary

Employment-based immigration gives you better employment opportunities, higher wages and the latest medical facilities. These visas offer a chance to get permanent residency, recognition of your qualifications, diverse experiences and many contacts. Immigration into the U.S. also benefits your family, improves your quality of life and opens the door to further education.

Book your consultation with an expert immigration lawyer to aid your immigration. Contact Kats Immigration Law today. Visit their offices in Brooklyn or Manhattan, or schedule a virtual consultation. Immigrating as a doctor, nurse or medical researcher is easier with a professional on your side.