Are you a doctor or physician considering making the United States your new professional home? The journey to practicing medicine in the U.S. involves a careful and intricate process, with various requirements and visa options to get through. In this post, we will explain the crucial steps and visa options for foreign medical doctors aspiring to build a career in the United States.
United States Doctors Requirements
Foreign medical practitioners desiring to practice in the US will go through the following processes
U.S. Medical Licensing Requirements:
- The first step for foreign physicians is obtaining the right to practice in the U.S.
- Each subnational ie state within the US has unique licensing requirements for instance Louisiana applicant must complete USMLE steps 1,2,and 3 within ten (10) of passing the first step
- a full, unrestricted license from a foreign country is a must.
Educational Credentials Evaluation:
- The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) evaluates the educational credentials of foreign-trained physicians.
- ECFMG certification ensures that a physician’s education is equivalent to U.S. standards.
United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE):
- The USMLE three steps is a prerequisite for medical licensure.
- Completion of USMLE is a critical component in establishing the right to practice medicine in the U.S.
Visa Options for Foreign Physicians
- J-1 Visa:
- – Ideal for those participating in approved teaching, training, or research programs.
- – Employers do not need to sponsor and there are no prevailing wage or employee notification requirements.
- H-1B Visa:
- – Requires a job offer for full-time employment from a U.S. employer (hospital, university, clinic, etc.).
- – An essential visa for foreign physicians seeking employment in the U.S.
- O-1 Visa:
- – Reserved for physicians with substantial accomplishments.
- – Requires a contract with a sponsoring employer or agent.
- – Granted for an initial period of no longer than three years.
- TN Visa:
- – Specifically for Canadian or Mexican physicians.
- – Designed for doctors working in the U.S. as teaching or research professionals.
Cost of Acquiring a US Medical Doctors Visa.
USCIS first published its initial announcement proposing fee increases in January 2023 Following a period of consultation, the agency has now published a Final Rule and will proceed with the proposed increases across multiple immigration categories.
The specific increase varies by visa type, ranging from minor adjustments to substantial hikes. The headlines for employers are as follows:
Non-immigrant visa application fees from April 1, 2024:
I-129 fees for the vast majority of non-immigrant visa categories applications is currently $460. Effective April 1, applications will have different fee increases, with discounts for small employers (with 25 or fewer employees) and non-profits. These include:
- H-1B visas for specialty occupations: $780*
- L-1 visas for intracompany transfers: $1,385 or $695 for small employers & non-profits
- E visas for treaty traders/investors: $1,015 or $510 for small employers & non-profits
- O visas for individuals with extraordinary ability: $1,055 or $530 for small employers & non-profits
* Note that the H-1B registration fee will increase to $215 in March 2025; the fee remains $10 for this year’s registration process.
- EB-5 investor Green card: $11,160
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): $675 for paper filing or $625 for online
- Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)): $675
- Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status): $1,440
Other applications
- Form I-539 to extend or adjust status non-immigrant status: $420 online or $470 for paper filing
- Form I-765 application for Employment Authorization: $470 online or $520 for paper filing
- Notice of Appeal or Motion: $800
How to Apply for a US Doctor Visa.
Upon meeting all the requirements above condition for foreign Doctors wishing to reside and practice in the United States, the applicant will submit the following documents for non-immigrant visas:
- A current passport with at least 6 months of validity
- A completed and signed Form DS-60 non-immigrant visa application
- A recent passport photo
- Your visa fee payment receipt
- Proof of the purpose of your trip, including return flights back to your country of origin or proof of where you will be staying during your time in the U.S – if applicable.
Once you have submitted your application, you will then be required to wait to be called to an interview. The interview will be held at the U.S. consulate in the country from which you are applying. If you are applying from Nigeria, you will be required to travel to the Lagos U.S. Consulate.
Where to secure a Job in the United States of America as a Medical Doctor
Upon the completion of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification, physicians who wish to practice medicine in the United States must complete an accredited residency training program in the United States or Canada. This process will take at least 3 years. The physician will have to complete a residency program regardless of the training he or she has received overseas. Thereafter physicians will now have the opportunity to apply to work in any vacant health facility as their services will be required.