More Employers Increasingly Offer Visa Support to Immigrant Doctors

Key Takeaways

• By July 10, 2025, employers increasingly support immigrant doctors with visas amid a U.S. physician shortage.
• AMA backs bills expanding Conrad 30 waivers to help immigrant doctors work in underserved U.S. areas.
• 3.2% of physician jobs offer visa support nationally; New York offers 18%, boosting IMG work opportunities.

As of July 10, 2025, there have been important changes in how employers in the United States 🇺🇸 support immigrant doctors with visas. These updates come at a time when the country is facing a growing shortage of healthcare workers, especially doctors. The changes affect both current and future international medical graduates (IMGs), employers, and the communities that rely on their care. Here’s a detailed summary of what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for pending and future applications.

Summary of What Changed

• More employers are now offering visa support to immigrant doctors, making it easier for international medical graduates to work in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Legislative efforts have increased to expand and improve visa programs for doctors, especially those serving in rural and underserved areas.
• The American Medical Association (AMA) has taken a strong stance in favor of these changes, supporting new bills and policies that help immigrant doctors.
• States are also getting involved, with over 20 bills introduced in 2025 to help international medical graduates find jobs and get licensed.

These changes are designed to address the ongoing doctor shortage in the United States 🇺🇸 and to make it easier for qualified immigrant doctors to contribute to the healthcare system.

Who Is Affected

• International Medical Graduates (IMGs): Doctors who completed their medical education outside the United States 🇺🇸 and want to practice medicine in the country.
• Employers: Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems looking to hire doctors, especially in areas with shortages.
• Patients: People living in rural or underserved areas who rely on immigrant doctors for care.
• Medical Residency Programs: Institutions that train new doctors and often depend on IMGs to fill positions.

Effective Dates

• The increase in employer visa support and the introduction of new state bills have been ongoing throughout 2025.
• The AMA’s support for new federal legislation was made public on April 11, 2025.
• Some legislative changes are still pending, while others are already in effect, depending on the state and the specific program.

Required Actions

For immigrant doctors and employers, the following steps are important:

• Doctors should check job postings for visa support or green card sponsorship offers, especially in states like New York, where support is higher.
• Employers should review new state and federal policies to ensure they are offering the right visa support and following the latest rules.
• Doctors and employers should stay updated on the status of pending legislation, as new laws may create more opportunities or change requirements.

Implications for Pending Applications

• Pending visa applications may benefit from increased employer support and new legislative changes, especially if they involve J-1 waivers or H-1B sponsorship.
• Applicants should monitor updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the American Medical Association for the latest information.
• Employers may need to update their sponsorship offers or provide additional documentation as new rules take effect.

Recent Trends and Statistics

The United States 🇺🇸 is facing a serious shortage of doctors. This shortage is expected to reach tens of thousands over the next decade. Immigrant doctors play a key role in filling this gap. According to data from May 2025:

• 3.2% of all job postings for physicians and surgeons now include offers of visa support or green card sponsorship.
• In New York, 18% of physician job postings offer visa support, showing a much higher rate than the national average.

This trend means more opportunities for international medical graduates who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸. Employers are realizing that offering visa support helps them attract and keep talented doctors, especially in areas where it’s hard to find enough local physicians.

Policy Updates and Legislative Actions

Federal Level

• The American Medical Association (AMA) has been very active in supporting new laws to help immigrant doctors. On April 11, 2025, the AMA announced its support for H.R. 1201, the “Doctors in our Borders Act.” This bill aims to expand the number of Conrad 30 waivers available to states. The Conrad 30 program allows states to sponsor up to 30 J-1 visa doctors each year to work in underserved areas, waiving the usual two-year home residency requirement.
• The AMA also supports the Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act (H.R. 1585/S. 709). This bill would reauthorize and improve the J-1 visa waiver program, making it easier for doctors to work in rural and underserved communities.

State Level

• Over 20 bills have been introduced in various states in 2025 to help international medical graduates. These bills aim to make it easier for IMGs to get licensed, find jobs, and receive visa support.
• There is bipartisan support for these changes, meaning both major political parties agree that helping immigrant doctors is important for the country’s health.

Employer Actions

• More hospitals and clinics are offering visa support as part of their job offers. This includes help with J-1 waivers, H-1B sponsorship, and even green card applications.
• Employers are also working with legal experts and advocacy groups to make sure they follow all the latest rules and offer the best support to immigrant doctors.

Visa Options for International Medical Professionals

There are several visa options available for immigrant doctors who want to work in the United States 🇺🇸. Each has its own rules, benefits, and challenges.

J-1 Visa

• The J-1 visa is commonly used by international medical graduates who want to join U.S. residency programs.
• It comes with a two-year home residency requirement, meaning doctors must return to their home country for two years after their training unless they get a waiver.
• The Conrad 30 waiver allows doctors to skip this requirement if they agree to work in a medically underserved area for at least three years.
• To apply, doctors need a DS-2019 form from their sponsoring institution. You can find more information and the official form on the U.S. Department of State website.

H-1B Visa

• The H-1B visa is for specialty workers, including doctors, who have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
• Employers must file a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the U.S. Department of Labor and then submit a petition to USCIS.
• Once approved, the doctor can apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• There have been calls to expand premium processing for H-1B visas to speed up the process for healthcare professionals.
• The official H-1B petition form is Form I-129.

O-1 Visa

• The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, including medicine.
• Employers must file a petition with USCIS and provide evidence of the doctor’s achievements.
• Once approved, the doctor applies for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• The official O-1 petition form is also Form I-129.

Detailed Procedures for Visa Applications

Here’s a step-by-step guide for each visa type:

J-1 Visa Application

1. Secure a Residency Position: Get accepted into a U.S. medical residency program.
2. Obtain DS-2019 Form: The sponsoring institution provides this form, which is required for the visa application.
3. Pay SEVIS Fee: Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.
4. Complete Online Visa Application: Fill out Form DS-160.
5. Schedule and Attend Interview: Book an appointment at a U.S. embassy or consulate and attend the interview with all required documents.

H-1B Visa Application

1. Employer Files LCA: The employer submits a Labor Condition Application to the Department of Labor.
2. Employer Files Petition: The employer files Form I-129 with USCIS.
3. USCIS Approval: Once approved, the doctor receives a notice of approval.
4. Apply for Visa: The doctor applies for the H-1B visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

O-1 Visa Application

1. Employer Files Petition: The employer files Form I-129 with evidence of the doctor’s extraordinary ability.
2. USCIS Approval: After approval, the doctor receives a notice of approval.
3. Apply for Visa: The doctor applies for the O-1 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Practical Implications and Expert Analysis

For Immigrant Doctors

• More job opportunities are available, especially in states and hospitals that offer visa support.
• Faster processing times may be possible if premium processing is expanded for H-1B visas.
• Greater chances of staying in the U.S. after training, thanks to expanded waiver programs and employer sponsorship.

For Employers

• Easier to fill open positions, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Need to stay updated on changing laws and requirements to offer the right support to immigrant doctors.
• Potential for more competition among employers to attract top international talent.

For Patients and Communities

• Better access to care in areas where there are not enough local doctors.
• Improved health outcomes as more qualified doctors are available to serve the community.

Challenges and Concerns

• Immigration policies can change quickly, and new entry restrictions or policy shifts may affect future applications.
• Some foreign doctors may hesitate to apply due to uncertainty about visa rules or possible changes in U.S. immigration policy.
• Pending applications may face delays if new rules are not implemented smoothly.

Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

• Continued legislative efforts are expected, as the doctor shortage remains a serious problem.
• Broader immigration policy changes, such as those proposed in Project 2025, could have a big impact on immigrant doctors if they become law.
• Ongoing support from the American Medical Association and other groups will likely keep the issue in the spotlight.

Key Stakeholders and Resources

• American Medical Association (AMA): Offers guidance and advocacy for doctors and employers. Visit www.ama-assn.org for updates.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Provides official forms and information on visa processes. Visit www.uscis.gov for the latest rules and forms.
• State Medical Boards: Each state has its own licensing requirements for doctors. Check your state’s medical board website for details.

For more information on the J-1 visa and waiver programs, the U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Visitor Program page is the official source.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• Immigrant doctors should actively search for employers offering visa support and check state-specific opportunities, especially in places with higher demand.
• Employers should review their hiring and sponsorship policies to make sure they are competitive and compliant with new laws.
• Both doctors and employers should stay informed about legislative changes and be ready to act quickly if new opportunities or requirements arise.
• Pending applicants should monitor their application status and communicate with their sponsors or legal advisors about any changes that might affect their case.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes mark a significant shift in how the United States 🇺🇸 approaches the recruitment and retention of immigrant doctors. The combined efforts of employers, lawmakers, and advocacy groups like the American Medical Association are making it easier for international medical graduates to help address the country’s healthcare needs.

For the most up-to-date information on visa options and requirements, visit the official USCIS website. This site provides detailed guides, forms, and contact information for all types of visa applications.

By staying informed and proactive, immigrant doctors and their employers can take full advantage of these new opportunities and help improve healthcare for communities across the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) → Doctors trained outside the U.S. who seek to practice medicine within the country.
Conrad 30 Waiver → A J-1 visa waiver allowing doctors to skip the two-year home residency by working in underserved areas.
J-1 Visa → A visa for exchange visitors, often used by foreign medical graduates in U.S. residency programs.
H-1B Visa → A temporary visa for specialty workers sponsored by a U.S. employer, such as immigrant doctors.
Premium Processing → An expedited USCIS service speeding up certain visa petition approvals for an added fee.

This Article in a Nutshell

The U.S. faces a critical doctor shortage. Increased employer visa support and AMA-backed laws help immigrant doctors work, especially in underserved areas, improving healthcare access and patient outcomes nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com