Green Card Options for Foreign Medical Graduates

1. What are the different types of green cards available for foreign medical graduates?


The three main types of green cards available for foreign medical graduates are:

1. Employment-Based Permanent Residence (EB-1 Visa): This type of green card is for foreign medical graduates who have extraordinary ability in the field of medicine, which can include physicians, surgeons, and other medical professionals.

2. Employment-Based Permanent Residence (EB-2 Visa): This type of green card is for foreign medical graduates who possess advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in the field of medicine.

3. Employment-Based Permanent Residence (EB-3 Visa): This type of green card is for foreign medical graduates who do not qualify for an EB-1 or EB-2 visa, but still have job offers from U.S. employers in the medical field.

2. How long does it typically take to obtain a green card for a foreign medical graduate?


It typically takes between 6 and 12 months to obtain a green card for a foreign medical graduate.

3. What criteria must be met to qualify for a green card as a foreign medical graduate?


In order to qualify for a green card as a foreign medical graduate, you must:

• Be sponsored by a U.S. employer and possess an approved labor certification from the Department of Labor
• Have an approved I-140 petition from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Have received an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or have an approved I-485 Adjustment of Status
• Have an unrestricted license to practice medicine in the state where you will work
• Have passed all three parts of the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) or have a valid ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) certificate
• Have completed a residency program in an accredited U.S. program, or have equivalent training and experience

4. Are there any special considerations or exemptions for foreign medical graduates in the green card application process?


Yes. The most common special consideration or exemption for foreign medical graduates in the green card application process is the Conrad 30 Waiver Program. This program allows state health departments to sponsor foreign medical graduates for a green card if they agree to work in underserved areas of the U.S. for a minimum of three years. Additionally, some foreign medical graduates may also be eligible for employment-based green card categories such as the EB-2 National Interest Waiver or the EB-3 Immigrant Worker categories.

5. Is work experience in the U.S. required to qualify for a green card as a foreign medical graduate?


No, work experience in the U.S. is not required to qualify for a green card as a foreign medical graduate. To obtain a green card through the first preference category (EB-1) of employment-based immigration, the applicant must demonstrate that they possess “extraordinary ability.” This can be shown through evidence of significant academic or professional achievements, or evidence that they meet a certain standard of expertise in their field.

6. What are the different ways to become eligible for an employment-based green card as a foreign medical graduate?


There are several ways to become eligible for an employment-based green card as a foreign medical graduate. These include:

1. Participating in the Conrad 30 program, which grants J-1 visa holders a waiver of the two-year home residency requirement.

2. Receiving a National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows the USCIS to waive the labor certification process for certain employment-based immigrants with extraordinary abilities or qualifications who can demonstrate that their presence in the United States has resulted in, or will result in, substantial benefits to the country.

3. Applying for a green card through an employer’s sponsorship, provided that the employer has received an approved labor certification from the Department of Labor (DOL).

4. Applying for permanent residence as a “Schedule A” immigrant, which allows foreign nationals with advanced degrees in nursing or physical therapy to apply for permanent residence without having to go through the labor certification process.

7. What is the difference between an immigrant visa and a green card for foreign medical graduates?


An immigrant visa is a visa issued to a foreign national to enter the U.S. with the intent to live and work permanently in the country. A green card for foreign medical graduates is an employment-based permanent residency, which allows a foreign national to live and work in the United States permanently.

8. What is the diversity visa program and how does it apply to foreign medical graduates?


The Diversity Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a program run by the U.S. Department of State that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States of America. It is often referred to as a “green card lottery” because it provides an opportunity for foreign nationals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to come to America and have the opportunity to apply for lawful permanent residence.

Foreign medical graduates may be eligible for this program if they have a high school degree or equivalent, can pass certain eligibility tests, and meet other requirements. If they are selected as winners in the Diversity Visa Lottery, they can move to the U.S. and begin their medical careers.

9. Can I receive permanent residency and become a citizen of the United States as a foreign medical graduate?


Yes, you can. It is possible to receive permanent residency and eventually become a citizen of the United States as a foreign medical graduate. However, the process is complicated and involves many steps, including obtaining an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), obtaining a work permit, submitting an application for permanent residency, and completing the Naturalization process. Additionally, it may be necessary to pass an English language proficiency test and exams related to medical knowledge. Every individual’s case is different and will depend on individual circumstances.

10. Are there any restrictions on the type of job or occupation I can pursue as a foreign medical graduate with a green card?


No, there are no restrictions on the type of job or occupation you can pursue as a foreign medical graduate with a green card. You can pursue any job or occupation for which you are qualified.

11. Are there any language requirements for obtaining a green card as a foreign medical graduate?


Yes. To obtain a green card as a foreign medical graduate, the applicant must demonstrate that they are able to speak, read, write, and understand English at a certain level. Additionally, the applicant must pass an approved English exam.

12. Are there any special fees or expenses associated with obtaining a green card as a foreign medical graduate?


Yes, there are a few associated fees and expenses. These include the Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee, the Medical Examination Fee, and the Affidavit of Support Fee. Additionally, foreign medical graduates are typically responsible for covering their own travel expenses for their visa interview.

13. What is the process for applying for a green card as a foreign medical graduate?


The process for applying for a green card as a foreign medical graduate is typically a multi-step process.

1. First, the applicant must have a valid job offer from an employer in the United States.

2. Next, the applicant must obtain certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) to prove that he or she is a qualified medical professional from abroad.

3. The applicant must then file Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

4. Once the I-140 petition has been approved, the applicant can submit an application for adjustment of status, Form I-485, with USCIS to receive a green card.

5. The applicant must then attend an interview with USCIS and provide documentation to prove eligibility for the card.

6. Finally, USCIS will make a decision on the application and notify the applicant of the outcome.

14. How can I prepare my application package for a green card as a foreign medical graduate?


Your application package for a green card as a foreign medical graduate must include the following items:

1. Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.
2. Two passport-style photos.
3. Form I-693 Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
4. Proof of legal status, such as an I-94 record or visa stamp.
5. Evidence of medical education and clinical experience in the US, such as ECFMG certification or USMLE scores.
6. Proof of financial support in the US, such as bank statements or employment verification letters.
7. A waiver request, if applicable.
8. Supporting documentation for any additional eligibility requirements, such as a Marriage Petition or Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility.
9. A copy of the interview appointment letter, if applicable.
10. The filing fee and biometric services fee, if applicable.

15. Are there any options for expediting the green card application process for foreign medical graduates?


Yes, foreign medical graduates may be eligible to apply for a National Interest Waiver, which allows them to bypass the usual labor certification process. Additionally, they may be eligible to apply for a Conrad 30 waiver which allows foreign medical graduates to work in a medically-underserved area for three years while their green card application is pending.

16. How do I keep track of my green card application status as a foreign medical graduate?


You can check your green card application status online through the USCIS website using your case number. Additionally, you can call the USCIS Contact Center at 1-800-375-5283 to inquire about your case status.

17. Are there any organizations or resources that can provide assistance with the green card application process for foreign medical graduates?


Yes, there are many organizations and resources that can provide assistance with the green card application process for foreign medical graduates. The American Medical Association, the National Resident Matching Program, and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates all provide information and resources for foreign medical graduates seeking to obtain a green card. Additionally, many immigration law firms specialize in green card applications for foreign medical graduates and can provide expertise and guidance throughout the application process.

18. What is the process for renewing or replacing my green card as a foreign medical graduate?


The process for renewing or replacing a green card as a foreign medical graduate is the same as for any other green card holder. You must file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with the application, you must provide documents that prove your identity and current immigration status. USCIS typically takes 6-12 months to process an I-90 application.

19. Can I petition to bring family members with me if I have a green card as a foreign medical graduate?


Yes, you can petition to bring family members with you if you have a green card as a foreign medical graduate. The process is called “family-based immigration,” and it is available to those with a green card as a foreign medical graduate. To do so, you will need to file Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

20. What happens if my green card application is denied as a foreign medical graduate?


If your green card application is denied as a foreign medical graduate, you may appeal the decision or reapply. Depending on the reasons for the denial, you may be able to amend your application or provide additional evidence to support your case. You should consult with an immigration attorney for specific advice and assistance.