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Pranav
Student
Raleigh, North Carolina
3
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Are doctors are eligible for H1B visa sponsorship?
I am considering studying medicine here in the US and I'm wondering if doctors are eligible for H1B visa sponsorship. If they are, is it more difficult to obtain a visa compared to other professions?
I am currently a H-4 visa holder (dependent on my Father who is on H1B). I will have to transition to an F-1 visa during my college career.
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2 answers
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
229
Answers
Annapolis Junction, Maryland
Updated
Wayne’s Answer
Hello Pranav! Absolutely, doctors can indeed secure H1B visa sponsorship to work in the United States. But, there are certain prerequisites they need to fulfill, which include:
- Possessing a medical degree: This can be an MBBS or a similar degree that the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) acknowledges.
- Clearing necessary exams: This encompasses the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Examination (COMLEX).
- Securing a state license: Doctors are required to obtain a license to practice medicine in the state where they plan to work.
- Finding a sponsoring employer: A healthcare organization in the U.S. needs to be ready to back their visa application.
By meeting these requirements, doctors can proceed to apply for an H1B visa, which will empower them to work and live in the U.S.
If you're currently attending college, it's also important to liaise with your careers counsel office.
Best of luck on your journey!
- Possessing a medical degree: This can be an MBBS or a similar degree that the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) acknowledges.
- Clearing necessary exams: This encompasses the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Examination (COMLEX).
- Securing a state license: Doctors are required to obtain a license to practice medicine in the state where they plan to work.
- Finding a sponsoring employer: A healthcare organization in the U.S. needs to be ready to back their visa application.
By meeting these requirements, doctors can proceed to apply for an H1B visa, which will empower them to work and live in the U.S.
If you're currently attending college, it's also important to liaise with your careers counsel office.
Best of luck on your journey!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Pranav
Alex Luchnik
Immigration Specialist
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hello Pranav,
Building on what Wayne mentioned, there are two types of H-1B visas you could potentially apply for: Cap subject and Cap exempt. The Cap subject H-1B visa requires participation in the annual H-1B Cap lottery, while the Cap exempt does not require lottery participation to secure an H-1B visa. The type of institution that hires you will determine which category you fall into.
In the meantime, your F-1 status allows you to work both on campus and as an intern, as well as after graduation. During this period, it's common for companies to file on behalf of their employees for the H-1B Cap.
Building on what Wayne mentioned, there are two types of H-1B visas you could potentially apply for: Cap subject and Cap exempt. The Cap subject H-1B visa requires participation in the annual H-1B Cap lottery, while the Cap exempt does not require lottery participation to secure an H-1B visa. The type of institution that hires you will determine which category you fall into.
In the meantime, your F-1 status allows you to work both on campus and as an intern, as well as after graduation. During this period, it's common for companies to file on behalf of their employees for the H-1B Cap.