Visas for Physicians, International Medical Graduates (IMGs) or Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), and Health Care Workers

U.S. Increased Needs for Health Care Professionals - Increasing Role of Foreign National Physicians and Nurses

Foreign physicians have several options for coming temporarily or permanently to the United States. Physicians may come to the U.S. for a variety of purposes: to participate in medical conferences, perform research, engage in a medical training programs and residencies, teach courses, or to practice medicine.

Doctors who are seeking employment in the United States should explore all of their immigration options and understand the consequences of their choices. Planning should begin even before the completion of medical school, to ensure completion of all of the testing and license requirements. A qualified immigration attorney can advise foreign physicians to help navigate the complicated process of obtaining employment in the United States.

The United States has an increasing reliance on International Medical Graduates (IMGs). IMGs must have an understanding of the United States immigration laws affecting their nonimmigrant temporary employment visas and employment-based permanent residence ("green card") options. Increasingly, my physician clients have found my immigration counsel services both:

• An important part of their evaluation of future job opportunities; and,
• Extremely helpful in negotiating for employment-based permanent residence sponsorship as part of their employment contract.