Healthcare professionals typically use employment-based visas such as the H-1B, TN (for Canadian and Mexican citizens), or EB-2/EB-3 visas for permanent residency. Each option depends on qualifications, licensure, and the specific employer’s needs. Our legal team can advise on the most suitable visa based on your situation.
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-1B visas, to permanent residence, including guidance regarding the streamlined Schedule A I-140 petition process for nurses and physical therapists.
Who We Serve
We help healthcare organizations, large and small, take care of their immigration needs so that executives and physicians can focus on keeping our communities healthy rather than worrying about arbitrary and onerous immigration rules.
We regularly help:
- Hospitals and clinics sponsoring nurses and other health staff so you can bring the right people on board without delay.
- Physicians navigating J-1 waivers and H-1B visas to keep your status on track.
- Healthcare employers facing staffing shortages, removing the immigration barriers that slow down hiring amid a nationwide shortage.
- Professionals seeking long-term stability through a green card, so you can plan your future with confidence.
- Nonprofit and community health organizations who need help hiring and retaining the professionals your community depends on.
Wherever you are in the process, we’ll make a clear plan and take care of the details.
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 We Can Help
At Vrapi Weeks, we understand the unique challenges that healthcare organizations face when trying to navigate the intricacies of the 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, applying for an 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.
Why Choose Vrapi Weeks for Your Immigration Needs?
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 confirm 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 every step of the immigration process so 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 an Attorney Today
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 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
What visas are available for foreign healthcare workers coming to the United States?
What are the key qualifications required for healthcare professionals to work in the U.S.?
Healthcare professionals often need educational credentials that meet U.S. standards, passage of relevant licensing exams, and sometimes professional certifications or state licensure. We assist clients in addressing these regulatory and credentialing requirements during their immigration process.
How long does the immigration process take for healthcare professionals?
Processing timelines can vary widely depending on visa type, country of origin, and current U.S. immigration policies. For instance, the H-1B visa process might take 6-12 months, while green card petitions can take far longer.
What does Schedule A I-140 designation do for hiring foreign nurses?
The Schedule A designation for nurses and physical therapists streamlines the immigration process by allowing employers to skip certain recruitment steps needed for employment-based permanent residence, such as labor certification and posting job ads. This can significantly reduce processing times and make it easier for healthcare facilities to hire foreign nursing professionals.
I don't know anything about immigration. Is it worth hiring foreign healthcare professionals?
With the current shortage of healthcare workers in the U.S., hiring foreign healthcare professionals is very worthwhile. These professionals bring valuable skills and medical expertise to the U.S. healthcare system. You don’t have to worry about the immigration process; our firm is experienced in helping foreign healthcare professionals and their employers navigate the immigration process smoothly and successfully.






