Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) aspiring to careers in the medical field in the US apply for Residency or Clinical Fellowship after meeting the USMLE test requirement. FMGs have to manage different sets of immigration issues upon their arrival into the United States. The immigration concerns might relate to a variety of issues, which may include but are not limited to; staying in status (while applying for residency or fellowship), changing status to H-1 or J-1 (to start residency or fellowship), seeking a J-1 waiver and securing permanent residence in the United States
All along, it is critical to have proper counsel to make the right decision and follow it through to ensure a smooth and successful immigration process. Any oversight, inappropriate decision, or inefficient follow-up might otherwise jeopardize the prospects of a satisfying career as a physician.
Whatever the stage of your career you might be in, please feel free to contact our office for legal consultation.
To make an appointment, click here . Even though we are located in Jackson Heights, New York, we can assist and represent you anywhere in the United States.
Depending on the medical institution, an FMG may start residency and/or clinical fellowship on a J-1 or H-1 visa. Availability of these options will depend on the policy of the particular health institution and also on whether you secure residency through a pre-match offer or under a matching program.
OPTIONS FOR FMGs:
If you are on an H-1 visa, you need to transfer your H-1 visa when you join another institution to start a fellowship or join an attending position. You can then start the PERM Labor Certification process to obtain permanent residence.
If you are on a J-1 visa, limited waiver options may be available.
We are fully committed to take care of all your immigration concerns so that you can focus on your career.