InTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES: Self-Petition EB-1A & EB-2

To become a legal permanent resident, an international medical graduate can self-petition under two avenues:

• EB-1A Extraordinary Ability –  For physicians with sustained national or international recognition, such as significant original research, major awards, or a substantial record of citations and influence in their specialty.  

• EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) – For physicians whose work benefits the United States so significantly that the usual job offer and labor certification requirements can be waived.

• The Physician National Interest Waiver
  A dedicated NIW pathway lets qualifying physicians self-petition while serving in a federally designated shortage area — without the standard EB-2 labor certification process — provided they commit to five years of qualifying clinical service.
• Researchers & Academics
  Physicians with strong publication records, peer-reviewed presentations, or leadership roles in public health or clinical research initiatives.
• Specialized Clinicians
  Doctors with rare or in-demand expertise in high-need medical specialties, where their continued practice in the U.S. serves a clear national interest.

• Proof of medical licensure  
• Clinical impact and patient outcomes  
• Letters from public health agencies or hospital leadership  
• Research publications and citations  
• Documentation of work in underserved or critical-need areas