
Loan Repayment
Regardless of your visa type and its authorized lifespan, there are ways to extend your time in the United States.
If you’re a physician here on a J-1 visa, Taub says, there is an option if you wish to remain in the U.S. rather than return home for the required two years. That option is a waiver.
For physicians who can prove their return home would present a hardship for a U.S. citizen or Green Card-holding spouse or child.
For physicians claiming they would be persecuted based on some protected ground, like race or religion, if they return home.
For physicians who commit to working for three years in an underserved area in the United States.
“A work-commitment waiver, known as the Conrad 30 Waiver, is the most common J-1 waiver, and can set you up to then apply for an H-1B visa. This would allow you to stay in the U.S. for another six years without returning home for the otherwise required 2-year home-residency,” says Taub.
Taub cautions, though, that each state offers only 30 waivers per year. And with waiver deadlines that vary by state, it’s important that you start the application process early.
There are also stark differences between each waiver type. “It’s important for you to consult with immigration counsel about the path that’s right you,” Taub says.
Remaining in the U.S. is a bit more limited with an H-1B visa. However, you can extend the six-year limit if you plan to get a Green Card and meet certain milestones along that path to permanent residency.
You can also get an additional year on an H-1B visa by filing for permanent labor certification (PERM) or completing a Form I-140, also known as an Immigration Petition for Alien Worker.
If you have applied for your Green Card, but that process is backlogged, an approved Form I-140 can offer a three-year extension of your time in the U.S.
“One other thing to know,” Taub says, “is that if you are outside the U.S. for any time during your six years on an H-1B, you can add that time back to the end of your H-1B period. So, if you travel to your home country for weeks or months, keep track of those dates and make sure they are reflected in your passport.”
There’s no doubt you put a lot of time and thought into your decision to work or train abroad, but if you hadn’t considered plans beyond your visa, now is the time to start.
“Don’t be afraid to let prospective employers know about your immigration needs early on, so everyone is on the same page.”
And, Taub says, get the waiver process started early.
“If you are seeking a waiver, it is never too early to start that process,” Taub says. “You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to deal with any complications that may arise.”
If a Conrad 30 waiver is your plan, finding a job should be high on your priority list.
“You need an executed employment agreement before you can file for a waiver,” Taub says. “I know of internal medicine residents starting their job search in year one.”
If you’re moving from a J-1 visa to a waiver, then on to an H-1B or Green Card, Taub says there are key questions you should ask a potential employer. These include:
Regardless of your desire to remain in the U.S., watch out for red flags from potential employers. Be wary of these:
“The visa or waiver process is complex,” Taub says. “How a potential employer treats the process may signal how they will treat you. The entire experience should be very collaborative, with each party having a vested interest.”
Have more questions about training or working in the U.S.? Ready to start looking and need to be connected with a recruiter? We can help. We can connect you to professionals experienced in immigration and work visas. Read how Provider Solutions & Development (PS&D) recruiters helped one Canadian-born physician obtain an H-1B visa, find a new job and return to the U.S. PS&D also offers complimentary resources, including one-on-one career coaching, toolkits, seminars and training.
Loan Repayment
Compensation
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Career Path