It is best practice to make your hiring decisions by the beginning of summer in the year preceding the projected hire year. Waiver applications can be submitted in September for potential start dates the following July. Waiver applications can be time-consuming and document-heavy, so give yourself plenty of time.
Healthcare Professionals
New Mexico Immigration Attorneys for Healthcare Professionals
The Association of American Medical Colleges estimates that the United States will have a shortage of up to 120,000 physicians by 2030. In addition, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 193,000 openings for registered nurses are projected each year through 2032 due to workforce turnover and a growing aging population that is increasing demand for healthcare services. Healthcare organizations are very cognizant of the shortage of healthcare professionals as even today it is very hard to recruit physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers. If your organization is seeking to hire a foreign national physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider, Vrapi Weeks can help with every step of the process, from the J-1 Conrad 30 Waiver or J-1 HHS waiver process for physicians, to H-1Bs, to permanent residence, including guidance regarding the streamlined Schedule A I-140 petition process for nurses and physical therapists.
We work with many healthcare organizations, large and small, in taking care of their immigration needs so that executives and physicians can focus on keeping our communities healthy and not have to worry about arbitrary and onerous immigration rules.
U.S. Immigration Options for Healthcare Professionals
The immigration process for healthcare professionals involves navigating a range of visa options and requirements to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws. For foreign national physicians, this often begins with securing a J-1 visa, which enables medical training in the United States under specific conditions. Many physicians then pursue a J-1 Conrad 30 Waiver or J-1 HHS waiver to remain in the U.S. by working in designated underserved areas. From there, transitioning to an H-1B visa is a common pathway, allowing employment as a specialty worker. Finally, many healthcare professionals seek permanent residence through employer sponsorship or other immigration programs. Nurses and physical therapists are eligible for a streamlined process for lawful permanent residence through Schedule A I-140 petitions. Each step in the process requires careful attention to detail, strict adherence to government timelines, and comprehensive documentation, making experienced guidance invaluable for a successful outcome.
How Vrapi Weeks Can Help
At Vrapi Weeks, we understand the unique challenges that healthcare organizations face when trying to navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. That’s why we offer strategic advice and extensive knowledge of immigration processes specific to healthcare providers to help secure the appropriate visa and employment options in a timely and efficient manner.
Our team works closely with healthcare organizations to determine the best immigration strategy based on your specific needs, whether it’s securing a J-1 waiver, H-1B visa, or pursuing permanent residence for a foreign national physician, nurse, or other healthcare provider. We handle all aspects of the process, from gathering necessary documents to filing petitions and advising employers and employees throughout every step.
Vrapi Weeks is dedicated to taking care of immigration needs so that healthcare organizations and professionals can focus on their organizations and serving their communities.
Why Choose Vrapi Weeks?
Vrapi Weeks has a dedicated team to assist healthcare organizations and foreign national physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers with the complex immigration process. Our extensive experience in handling immigration cases for healthcare professionals has allowed us to develop a deep understanding of the challenges and requirements involved. Timeliness and accuracy of filings are critical for uninterrupted maintenance of work authorization for healthcare providers, and we work closely with both employers and employees to ensure that all necessary steps are taken efficiently and effectively. We understand that healthcare organizations and professionals have limited time to spend on immigration matters, and we guide employers and employees through all steps of the immigration process so that you can focus on meeting the underserved healthcare needs in our communities.
Our professional attorneys are dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals and organizations, providing personalized attention and guidance throughout the entire immigration process. With our assistance, you can feel confident that your healthcare organization will be able to recruit and retain the best foreign national physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers, ensuring the continued provision of quality medical care for communities across the United States.
Schedule a Consultation
With ongoing healthcare shortages and today’s ever-changing immigration landscape, it is important for healthcare organizations to have a trusted partner like Vrapi Weeks to navigate the complex process of hiring foreign national physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers. Our experience in this area allows us to alleviate any concerns or tackle any obstacles that may arise, allowing both organizations and physicians to focus on what matters – providing quality healthcare services. Schedule a consultation or call us today for more information.
Trusted Guidance Through
The Immigration Process


Trusted Guidance Through
The Immigration Process
- Schedule your consultation
- Provide us with your information and documents
- We take care of the rest
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start the J-1 Physician Waiver process?
Can I apply for an H-1B visa as soon as the waiver is approved?
Yes. H-1B visas for those who obtain J-1 Physician Waivers are exempt from the numerical cap.
Do I have to go through the same permanent residence process for physical therapists and nurses?
No. Physical therapists and nurses can be petitioned by employers using more lenient rules, making the process much faster and simpler.
