Immigration Assistance: Physician Immigration Handbook

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The Physician Immigration Handbook by Siskind Susser PC

The Physician Immigration Handbook, 10th edition — main topics

Nine chapters covering the complete immigration journey for international medical graduates

  • 01 Medical Training entry

    Qualifying for Graduate Medical Training

    Covers the ECFMG certification process, USMLE examinations, and how international medical graduates apply for and match into U.S. residency and fellowship programs. It outlines the educational and credential requirements physicians must meet before entering training.

  • 02 Visa comparison

    The J-1 Home-Residence Requirement and Waivers

    Explains the two-year home-country return requirement imposed on J-1 physicians and the various waiver pathways available, including Conrad 30 state waivers, federal agency waivers, and hardship or persecution waivers. This is one of the most consequential aspects of the J-1 pathway.

  • 03 J-1 home requirement

    Federal and State J-1 Waiver Programs

    Details the specific rules, requirements, and procedures for each sponsoring agency, including HHS, ARC, DRA, SCRC, NBRC, and the VA, as well as all 50 state Conrad 30 programs. Each program has unique eligibility criteria, contract requirements, and application timelines.

  • 04 Waiver programs

    Federal and State J-1 Waiver Programs

    Details the specific rules, requirements, and procedures for each sponsoring agency, including HHS, ARC, DRA, SCRC, NBRC, and the VA, as well as all 50 state Conrad 30 programs. Each program has unique eligibility criteria, contract requirements, and application timelines.

  • 05 H-1B strategy

    The H-1B Visa Process and Cap Strategies

    Covers how H-1B sponsorship works for physicians post-training, including prevailing wage rules, the annual lottery, the $100,000 fee introduced in 2025, and strategies for achieving cap exemption. It also reviews alternatives like O-1, E-3, TN, and E-2 visas.

  • 06 Green card

    Lawful Permanent Residence (Green Card)

    Outlines the employment-based and family-based green card categories relevant to physicians, including the PERM labor certification process, National Interest Waivers, and the EB-1 extraordinary ability category. It also covers per-country backlogs that significantly affect Indian and Chinese nationals.

  • 07 Physician NIW

    Physician National Interest Waivers (PNIWs)

    Describes the specialized green card pathway for physicians who commit to five years of full-time clinical practice in federally designated shortage areas, supported by a state or federal health agency. It compares PNIWs to the PERM process and outlines state-by-state program details.

  • 08 Employment changes

    Employment Changes and Immigration Consequences

    Addresses how terminations, layoffs, mergers, and acquisitions affect a physician's immigration status, including grace periods, portability rules, and employer obligations. It provides practical strategies for minimizing disruption during workforce changes.

  • 09 Citizenship counsel

    U.S. Citizenship

    Reviews the naturalization process for physicians who have become lawful permanent residents, covering residency requirements, good moral character standards, and the 2025 updates to USCIS naturalization guidance. It also weighs the benefits and potential drawbacks of naturalizing.

  • 10 Immigration counsel

    Hiring an Immigration Attorney

    Guides physicians and employers through selecting qualified immigration counsel, with criteria spanning AILA membership, focus of practice, communication standards, and ethical conduct. It also addresses what to do if an attorney mismanages a case.

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