2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

WHAT INTERNATIONAL

MEDICAL GRADUATES

NEED TO KNOW

By: Robert D. Aronson

Immigration Attorney

Minneapolis MN

WHAT’S GOING ON IN

U.S. IMMIGRATION LAW & POLICY

Settled Law: Remains Consistent

New Administration: Changes Mainly in

Travel/Unauthorized Foreign Nationals/

Border Security/Enforcement

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

WHERE DO IMG’S FIT IN?

• Pervasive shortages in the physician

workforce

• Increased community receptivity to IMG’s

• Law compels IMG’s to work in positions

benefiting national welfare

• Gap-filling track record: poverty/low income;

minorities; rural

• Outlook remains strong for IMG immigration

• High rates of primary care providers

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

J-1 PHYSICIANS

• J-1 visa is a Medical Training Visa

• Nature and importance of Two-Year Home

Residence Obligation

– On H-1B eligibility

– On permanent resident eligibility

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

IMG OPTIONS ON FINISHING GRADUATE

MEDICAL EDUCATION

• Get J-1 waiver

• Return home for two years

• Qualify for O-1 visa (extraordinary ability)

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

WHAT ARE OPTIONS FOR WAIVER

• Persecution in home country

• Exceptional hardship to U.S. anchor relative

• Interested Government Agency

• Conrad State 30 Waiver Program

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

WHAT IS THE CONRAD STATE 30

WAIVER PROGRAM

• Federal-State partnership

• 30/10 rule

• 3-year H-1B employment obligation

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

STATE WAIVER RULES

• Primary vs. specialty care

• Non-compete clauses

• FLEX opportunities

• Application periods

• Reporting requirements

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

HINTS FOR GETTING J-1 WAIVER JOB

• Start job hunt early (October 1 as target filing

deadline)

• Supply/demand varies among states

• Know the state program

• FLEX policy

• Supportive employer

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

H-1B VISA PROCESS

• What is H-1B Temporary Worker classification?

• 4 IMG Credentials:

– MD or foreign license

– ECFMG Certificate (unless Canadian trained)

– USMLE – Steps 1, 2, 3

– State medical license or authorization for job

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

PERMANENT RESIDENT PROCESS

• 4 pathways to permanent residence:

– Family relationships

– Employment

– Fear of persecution

– Miscellaneous (visa lottery)

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

IMG PERMANENT RESIDENT OPTIONS

• PERM labor certification application

• National Interest Waiver

• Other

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

QUICK WORD ON INDIAN PHYSICIANS

• Quota backlogs

• Taking long-term approach

• Enhanced attractiveness of National Interest

Waiver

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

© 2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

Questions?

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Robert D. Aronson Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.

200 South Sixth Street

Suite 4000

Minneapolis, MN 55402

Phone: 612.492.7260

Email: raronson@fredlaw.com

Website: www.fredlaw.com

2018 Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.