DISCLAIMER: The information provided here is general in nature and should not be relied on for specific situations. In addition to working with an experienced physician recruiter, St. John Associates recommends that all physician visa candidates consult with an experienced immigration attorney to get the right plan for their specific situation.

Physician Immigration & Job Placement Webinar
Monday, July 21, 2025
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

In this free one hour session, you’ll learn how International Medical Graduates can successfully navigate the physician visa process and launch a career in the United States. You’ll also be able to submit a question to an Immigration Attorney. Register for free here.

Searching for a physician job as an international medical graduate (IMG) in the United States can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating complex visa requirements alongside your job search. With the U.S. facing a projected shortage of 124,000 physicians by 2027, opportunities for qualified international physicians continue to grow. To set yourself up for a successful search, it is important to understand the physician visa landscape.

In 2020, the United States issued visas to over 4,200 international medical graduates from more than 100 countries to support their residency training across various medical specialties, demonstrating the significant need for international medical talent. Whether you’re completing residency or seeking your first attending position, this comprehensive guide addresses the most frequently asked questions about physician visa job searches and will prepare you to embark on your own job search.

What Is the Best Visa for a Doctor?

The most common physician work visas include the J-1 and H-1B visas, each with distinct requirements and implications for your career trajectory.

J-1 Physician Visa

The J-1 visa is the most popular option for IMG residents. To qualify for a J-1 visa, IMGs must pass USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK (or equivalent). This visa is specifically designed for medical training and allows physicians to participate in graduate medical education programs; however, it comes with important considerations. Many apply for a spot in the Conrad 30 program so they can avoid the 2-year foreign residence requirement. Without that waiver, a J-1 visa requires that J-1 physicians and accompanying J-2 dependents reside in their home country for an aggregate of at least two years before being eligible for adjustment in visa status in the United States.

H-1B Physician Visa

The H-1B visa is sponsored by the medical employer and requires applicants to pass the USMLE Step 3 exam prior to visa sponsorship. Unlike the J-1, it does not have a two-year home country physical presence requirement. One significant advantage of the H-1B visa is that it can serve as a stepping stone to a green card, making it attractive for physicians planning to establish permanent careers in the U.S. There is a regular cap of 65,000 H-1B visas with an advanced degree exception that allows for another 20,000 visas.

O-1 Physician Visa

The O-1A visa is the most difficult to obtain and is reserved for those who possess extraordinary abilities in their specialty. This is reserved for a small group of individuals who have been deemed experts in their respective fields. To be considered an expert, a physician typically must possess advanced skills or research credentials that few others in their field hold, often backed by peer-reviewed publications, awards, or leadership roles. It requires a significant amount of supporting documents and is also highly supervised by the United States government to ensure it only is given to the most exceptional candidates.

What Is the Conrad 30 Program?

Conrad 30 Waiver Program

The Conrad 30 waiver program allows J-1 foreign medical graduates to apply for a waiver of the 2-year foreign residence requirement upon completion of the J-1 exchange visitor program. This is a state-administered program where each state receives 30 slots annually to sponsor physicians. The physician must serve 3 years with an approved employer/sponsor in designated shortage areas to fulfill the waiver requirements. Certain states fill their slots immediately, so it is wise to have an alternative plan if you aren’t able to secure a waiver in your desired state.

Medically Underserved Areas (MUA)

 A Medically Underserved Area (MUA) is a service area with a demonstrable shortage of primary healthcare resources relative to the needs of the entire population within the service area. MUAs aren’t a separate waiver program, but rather a federal designation of regions with qualifying facilities where Conrad 30 waiver recipients can fulfill their service obligations. MUAs are also sister programs to the Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) and provide similar benefits to communities, but represent different types of shortage designations.

These programs work together- Conrad 30 waiver recipients must serve in HPSAs, MUAs, or medically underserved populations (MUPs). You can find more information, such as how to apply or how to check on your visa application status on our visa program page.

What If I Can’t Obtain a Conrad 30 Waiver? What Are the Alternatives to a Conrad 30 Waiver?

Normally, you would have to return to your home country for the 2-year foreign residence requirement before you’re eligible to change nonimmigrant status or obtain a green card. If you’re not able to secure a Conrad 30 waiver to forgo the requirement, you can potentially receive waivers by proving or providing: exceptional hardship to close US family members, potential persecution in your home country, a request from a US government agency, or a statement of no objection from your home country. Along with one of those waivers, you must also apply for H-1B or O-1 status, or apply for an adjustment of your status and employment authorization. You will need to account for the application and processing time which can take several months.

What Medical Employers Offer Visa Sponsorship?

This question tops the list of concerns for international physicians. The key is targeting the right employers and understanding which organizations are most likely to sponsor visas.

Healthcare Systems and Large Hospitals

Large healthcare systems and academic medical centers are typically more experienced with visa sponsorship processes and are more likely to sponsor a visa candidate. These larger organizations often have dedicated legal teams and established processes for international hiring.

Underserved Areas and Critical Shortage Facilities

Facilities in medically underserved areas are often more willing to sponsor visas due to recruitment challenges. Physicians seeking J-1 visa waivers are expected to work full-time at healthcare facilities in areas designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, creating opportunities in these high-need regions.

Specialty Considerations

With 88% of physicians reporting that their clinical practice has been impacted by the physician shortage, and 74% describing it as “moderate” or “severe”, certain specialties are more prone to shortages, making visa sponsorship more likely.

Can I Apply for an H-1B Visa if I Don’t Have a Sponsor? Can I Sponsor Myself?

H-1B visas require that an American company files the visa and therefore you must have a sponsor. If you own a company and want it to sponsor you, it must have a board of directors or an entity that is capable of terminating you. Furthermore, you or someone you know can’t just create a company for the purpose of sponsoring your visa.

What Documentation Do I Need for My Physician Visa Job Search?

Proper documentation is crucial for both visa applications and job applications. Essential documents include:

• Valid USMLE scores (specific requirements vary by visa type)
• Medical school transcripts and diploma verification
• ECFMG certification
• Statement of Need from your home country (for certain visa types)
• Current CV highlighting clinical experience and research
• Letters of recommendation from supervisors and colleagues
• Valid passport and any existing visa documentation

How Long Does the Visa Process Take in the US?

Timeline planning is critical for international physicians. The visa processing timeline varies significantly based on several factors:

J-1 Visa Processing

J-1 visa processing typically takes 2-4 months from the time you receive your DS-2019 form from your sponsoring organization. However, this doesn’t include the time needed to secure a position and complete the ECFMG certification process.

H-1B Visa Processing

H-1B processing can be more complex, especially given annual caps on new H-1B visas. The process typically takes 3-6 months, but physicians should plan for potential delays, particularly if premium processing is not available.

Can I Negotiate My Physician Employment Contract If I Am On a Visa?

Absolutely! The most appropriate time to begin negotiations is after receiving a formal job offer but before signing any agreements. However, visa-requiring physicians face unique considerations that affect negotiation leverage. If you’re in a residency or fellowship program with limited time before your J-1 visa expires, your negotiation window may be constrained. In these situations, focus negotiations on the most critical terms rather than comprehensive contract overhauls. Conversely, if you have secured your visa status and have multiple job opportunities, you’re in a stronger position to negotiate various contract terms.

Key Contract Elements to Consider

While all physicians should review standard employment terms like salary, benefits, and malpractice coverage, visa-requiring physicians should pay special attention to immigration-specific clauses:

Visa Sponsorship and Legal Costs

Clarify who bears the responsibility for visa application fees, attorney costs, and any future immigration filings. Some employers cover all costs, while others may require cost-sharing or reimbursement if you leave within a specified period.

Contract Duration and Renewal

Given visa timeline constraints, negotiate contract terms that align with your visa validity periods. If your visa expires before your contract ends, ensure the employer commits to supporting visa renewals or status changes.

Geographic and Practice Restrictions

J-1 physicians working in underserved areas may have limited flexibility due to waiver requirements. However, you can still negotiate within these constraints regarding specific practice locations, call schedules, and patient populations.

Professional Development and Continuing Education

International physicians often benefit from negotiating non monetary benefits including CME allowances, conference attendance, and opportunities for additional training that can enhance both clinical skills and visa status options.

What Should You Avoid Negotiating?

Certain aspects of employment may be non-negotiable for visa-requiring physicians, particularly those in J-1 waiver positions. Federal and state requirements for underserved area commitments typically cannot be modified. Additionally, some large health systems have standardized compensation packages for international physicians that leave little room for individual negotiation.

Avoid making demands that could jeopardize your visa sponsorship or appear ungrateful for the sponsorship opportunity. Instead, frame negotiations as collaborative discussions aimed at creating mutually beneficial arrangements.

Negotiation Strategies for International Physicians

Successful contract negotiation requires preparation and cultural awareness. Research market rates for your specialty and geographic area using resources like the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) compensation surveys, which our consultants have access to in addition to their own data. Understanding fair market value strengthens your negotiating position and demonstrates professionalism.

When presenting negotiation requests, emphasize your unique qualifications and the value you bring to the organization. Highlight language skills, cultural competency, international training experiences, or specialized expertise that benefit the patient population.

Working with Legal and Professional Advisors

Given the complexity of both employment law and immigration requirements, consider consulting with attorneys who specialize in physician contracts and immigration law. Many negotiations involve intricate interactions between employment terms and visa status that require professional guidance. Our consultants are very accustomed to the visa sponsorship process and have relationships with attorneys that are ready to assist you.

Can a Physician Recruiter Help with My Visa Application?

Experienced physician recruiters will be able to provide you with details about the licensing requirements, identifying and applying for eligible opportunities, connecting you with knowledgeable immigration attorneys, and keeping the entire process on track. If you’re ready to speak with a consultant in your specialty about your application process and job search, SJA consultants have years of experience, are well-versed in the visa process, and their services are always free to job seeking physicians like you.

How Do I Maximize My Chances of Success?

Start Early

Begin your job search 12-18 months before your desired start date to allow adequate time for visa processing and credentialing.

Network Strategically

Connect with other international physicians, attend medical conferences, and engage with professional organizations in your specialty.

Highlight Your Unique Value

Emphasize language skills, cultural competency, and international training that can benefit diverse patient populations.

Work with Experienced Recruiters

Partner with recruiters who specialize in international physician placement and understand visa requirements.

Consider Multiple Pathways

Don’t limit yourself to one visa type or geographic area. Flexibility can open more opportunities.

The physician visa job search process requires patience, preparation, and strategic thinking. With nearly 2.8 million immigrants working in the U.S. healthcare sector in 2021, representing disproportionately high shares of physicians and surgeons, international medical graduates continue to play a vital role in American healthcare.

Understanding your visa options, targeting the right employers, and preparing comprehensive documentation will position you for success in your physician job search. While the process can be complex, the current physician shortage creates unprecedented opportunities for qualified international physicians to build rewarding careers in the United States.

Remember that each situation is unique, and immigration law changes frequently. Always consult with qualified immigration attorneys and work with experienced healthcare recruiters who understand the intersection of physician recruitment and visa requirements. Your journey to practicing medicine in the United States may be challenging, but with proper planning and persistence, it’s entirely achievable.

Need more help looking for a visa sponsored job opportunity? Contact the consultant specializing in your subspecialty. Their assistance is always free to job seeking physicians.

FOLLOW US FOR MORE RESOURCES AND JOBS