Health Care Professional Visas, Washington, D.C.

Not all health care visas are alike, and health care visas differ in significant ways from other work visas.  The Washington, D.C. health care professional visa attorneys at Tobin, O’Connor & Ewing can help you determine which visa makes the most sense for you and can guide you successfully through the application and certification process.

Most health care professionals can apply to enter and work in the United States through the H-1B visa program.  Previously, registered nurses could apply for visas to live and work in areas with nursing shortages through the H-1C visa program, but that program expired as of December 20, 2009, and nurses must now seek Washington, D.C. health care professional visas through the H-1B program. 

Because colleges, universities, other institutions of higher education, related or affiliated nonprofit entities, the government, and nonprofit research organizations are exempt from the 65,000 annual cap otherwise imposed on H-1B visas, most health care employers can apply for H-1B visas at any time.

Additionally, health care professionals from Mexico and Canada may apply to work in the United States under TN professional status, a visa area created by NAFTA.  Unlike H-1B visa holders, TN professionals must attest to their intention to remain only temporarily in the United States.  TN professionals must work for a U.S. employer, and can remain initially for three years, and must then renew their TN status. 

Consult with a health care professional visa law firm in Washington, D.C. to determine which visa best suits your goals and qualifications. 

How to apply for a health care professional visa

Generally, doctors, nurses, and physical therapists seeking visas follow standard H-1B visa procedures. They must find an employer to sponsor them for the visa, and then they and their employer must seek labor certification through the U.S. Department of Labor. Next, they must apply with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a visa. 

Fortunately, because federal law generally exempts health care professionals from the H-1B visa annual cap, would-be visa holders can apply at any time without worrying that their applications will be denied because too many H-1B visas have already been issued in any given year. 

TN professionals—health care workers from Mexico or Canada—must find a part- or full-time U.S. employer before applying for TN professional status. Contact a Washington, D.C. health care professional visa lawyer to help you understand this process.

What about my family?

Spouses and minor children of TN professionals and of H-1B visa holders may follow them to the United States.  H-1B visa holders who apply for and receive a green card and become lawful permanent residents may apply to sponsor other relatives for green cards, such as siblings and older parents.  In general, it is best to consult with a health care professional visa attorney in Washington, D.C. both before applying for a visa and before attempting to bring family members to the United States with you, in order to ensure that you comply with all applicable immigration laws and do not jeopardize your own visa status.

Health care professional visas law firm in Washington, D.C.

If you are a health care professional looking to live and work in the United States, contact the skilled, experienced attorneys at Tobin, O’Connor & Ewing—we can help you through all stages of the visa application process, including applying for and acquiring visas for your family.  Call us at (202) 536-3359 or email us today to discuss how we can help.