For international physicians who dream of practicing medicine in the United States, navigating the visa process and getting a physician visa can be incredibly daunting. While there are various pathways available, the H1B visa stands out as a promising option for foreign medical graduates who want to secure residency positions and full-time employment in the U.S. healthcare system.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about obtaining an H1B visa as a doctor — from eligibility requirements and the application process to residency program sponsorship and Green Card opportunities.

What is the best visa for a doctor?

The U.S. offers several visa options for international medical graduates (IMGs), but the H1B visa for doctors is widely considered one of the best for those looking to build a long-term career in the country.

Unlike the J1 visa, which often requires a two-year home-country residency requirement after training, the H1B visa is dual-intent. This means physicians on H1B status can pursue their Green Card while still practicing in the U.S. It also allows for more flexibility in where and how you work, so long as your sponsoring employer complies with visa regulations.

The H1B visa also supports transitions to other legal statuses, including permanent residency, which makes it a strategic choice for doctors aiming to stay in the U.S. after completing their residency or fellowship.

Can doctors apply for an H1B visa?

Doctors can apply for an H1B visa, provided they meet certain criteria set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

To qualify, a physician must:

  • Have passed all three steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
  • Hold an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification
  • Be licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. (or be in the process of securing licensure)
  • Have a valid job offer from a U.S. employer willing to sponsor the H1B visa

While the H1B visa for doctors is attainable, the process is competitive and subject to an annual numerical cap — known as the H1B visa cap — unless the employer qualifies for a cap exemption (such as nonprofit hospitals and university-affiliated institutions).

How to get an H1B visa as a doctor

The process of securing an H1B visa as a physician is multifaceted and must begin with careful preparation. One of the most common pathways is through H1B visa residency programs, which serve as an entry point for many IMGs into the U.S. healthcare system.

Here’s a high-level breakdown of how to get an H1B visa as a doctor:

  1. Meet education and credentialing requirements: Pass the USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK and 3, and secure ECFMG certification.
  2. Secure a sponsoring employer or program: This could be a hospital, clinic or residency program willing to file an H1B petition. To find employers willing to sponsor H1B visas, visit PracticeLink.com and select H1B in the Visa Assistance filter.
  3. Complete the H1B application process:
    • The employer files a Labor Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of Labor.
    • After approval, the employer submits Form I-129 to USCIS.
  4. Attend a visa interview: Once the USCIS is approved, the physician attends an interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy, depending on where your application is being processed.
  5. Begin employment: Upon approval and arrival in the U.S., you can begin working in your sponsored role.

The H1B visa application process must be carefully timed, as there are strict filing windows and processing backlogs. Some physicians may opt for H1B transfer for doctors later in their careers if they change employers.

Do residency programs sponsor H1B?

Not all residency programs offer visa sponsorship, but an increasing number are willing to file H1B petitions on behalf of international doctors. Programs that sponsor H1B visas are often referred to as H1B visa sponsoring residency programs.

To determine whether a residency program offers H1B sponsorship, candidates should:

  • Review the program’s website or FREIDA listing
  • Contact the program coordinator directly
  • Look for language specifically mentioning “H1B sponsorship” or “visa sponsorship available”

Residency programs that sponsor H1B visas usually do so under cap-exempt provisions, particularly if affiliated with universities or nonprofits.

A few things to note:

  • The program must be willing to pay the higher legal and filing fees associated with H1B sponsorship.
  • Some programs may only consider H1B sponsorship if the applicant has already passed Step 3 of the USMLE.
  • The number of available spots for H1B-sponsored candidates is often limited, so early communication is key.

Do hospitals sponsor H1B?

Yes, many hospitals do sponsor H1B visas for physicians, though the policies vary widely depending on the institution. In particular, university-affiliated teaching hospitals and nonprofit healthcare systems are more likely to support H1B petitions and may be exempt from the H1B visa cap.

Doctors not entering through a residency program but are instead applying for attending-level roles or fellowships often rely on hospital sponsorship for their visa.

When evaluating potential employers, it helps to look at the best residency programs for foreign medical graduates, as these institutions tend to have more experience navigating the visa process and are often more willing to invest in international talent.

Key tips:

  • Hospitals are more likely to sponsor doctors with subspecialty training or experience in high-demand fields.
  • H1B sponsorship may come with a multi-year employment contract.
  • Always verify whether the position is cap-subject or cap-exempt.

Which hospitals sponsor H1B for residents?

While not all hospitals explicitly state their visa policies, several are known for supporting international physicians through H1B visa sponsorship for residents. Hospitals affiliated with large academic medical centers and located in underserved areas are more likely to file H1B petitions for incoming residents.

Examples of hospitals that frequently sponsor H1B visas include:

  • Cleveland Clinic
  • Mount Sinai Health System
  • Johns Hopkins Hospital
  • University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC)
  • NYU Langone Health

For residents already on H1B status and considering a move, you may wonder: Can you pause H1B visa status? While there is no official “pause” mechanism, doctors can potentially switch to a different status (such as H4, dependent or J1) if they temporarily step away from clinical practice. However, this shift comes with implications for work authorization and future visa eligibility.

Can a J1 visa be converted to H1B?

Yes, a J1 visa can be converted to an H1B, but the process is not automatic and requires advance planning. Many international medical graduates begin their U.S. training on a J1 visa due to its accessibility, but the transition to H1B can be attractive because it eliminates the home-country residency requirement and allows for dual intent.

Here are the key steps in the conversion:

  1. Obtain a J1 waiver: Doctors on J1 visas must either return to their home country for two years or obtain a waiver. Waivers are often granted through:
    • The Conrad 30 Waiver Program (for service in underserved areas)
    • Interested Government Agency (IGA) waivers
  2. Secure H1B sponsorship: Once the waiver is approved, a physician can apply for a position with a hospital or clinic willing to sponsor them.
  3. Apply through USCIS: The sponsoring employer will file a cap-exempt or cap-subject H1B petition.

When comparing J1 vs H1B visa for medical residency, it’s important to consider your long-term career goals. The J1 visa offers a more accessible entry into residency programs but can limit future flexibility. The H1B, though more competitive, is better for doctors intending to remain in the U.S. long-term.

Can you get a Green Card if you are a doctor?

Yes, physicians on H1B visas are eligible to pursue permanent residency (a Green Card) through employer sponsorship or national interest waivers. The dual-intent nature of the H1B makes this process more straightforward than for those on J1 visas.

Common pathways to a Green Card include:

  • Employer-sponsored Green Card: The hospital or practice files a PERM labor certification and then petitions for permanent residency.
  • National interest waiver (NIW): Available for physicians who agree to work in underserved areas for a minimum number of years.

Physicians seeking Green Cards must also be mindful of H1B reporting requirements, including maintaining accurate records of their employment, address and immigration status with USCIS. Any significant changes in job location or job duties must be reported and may require an amended petition.

Navigating the complexities of the H1B visa for doctors requires careful planning, reliable sponsorship and a deep understanding of immigration policy. Whether you’re just starting your medical training or are an experienced physician looking to transition to a U.S. role, the H1B visa can serve as a strong foundation for building a medical career in America.

As with any legal process, it’s wise to consult with an immigration attorney and work closely with programs and employers that have a proven track record of supporting international medical graduates.

Want more help navigating the physician visa process? For more articles and information about visa options for international doctors visit PracticeLink’s Resource Center.