Jobs and Green Cards

As a healthcare worker, there are several options available to you if you are seeking to obtain a green card (lawful permanent residence) in the United States.

One option is to apply for an employment-based visa. The most common employment-based visas for healthcare workers are the H-1B visa for temporary workers, the EB-3 visa for skilled workers, and the EB-2 visa for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. To qualify for these visas, you will need to have a job offer from a U.S. employer and meet certain education and experience requirements.

Another option is to apply for a green card through a family member who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. If you are married to a U.S. citizen or have a parent, child, or sibling who is a U.S. citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a green card through the family-based immigration process.

If you are a physician, you may also be eligible for a J-1 waiver, which waives the two-year home residency requirement for foreign medical graduates. To qualify for a J-1 waiver, you will need to work in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or Medically Underserved Area (MUA) for at least three years. Alternatively, you may be eligible for a National Interest Waiver, which allows you to skip the HPSA/MUA requirement if you can demonstrate that your work in the U.S. will be in the national interest.

As a registered nurse, you may also be eligible for an employment-based visa or a green card through a family member. You may also be able to apply for a green card through the diversity visa lottery, which is open to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.

It's important to note that the immigration process can be complex and time-consuming, and requirements and eligibility can change. It's recommended that you speak with an immigration lawyer or an accredited representative to determine the best options for your specific situation.