Physicians, Nurses & Healthcare workers
At Kennedy Law, we provide clear, personalized legal guidance to physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals navigating the complex U.S. immigration system—offering direct attorney access so you get timely, tailored answers that protect your career and immigration status.
VISA TYPES FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS - OUR SERVICES
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) for Physicians & Public Health Professionals
We enjoy assisting primary care doctors in shortage areas, public health physicians, and researchers whose work serves U.S. healthcare needs. We help establish eligibility under the Matter of Dhanasar standard, build strong evidence portfolios, and structure long-term green card strategies. To qualify, applicants must show:
- Their work has substantial merit and national importance
- They are well-positioned to advance their proposed work
- Waiving the labor certification benefits the U.S.
We draft persuasive arguments tailored to the evolving standards applied by USCIS. NIW offers a valuable green card pathway for physicians and public health professionals—especially those working in underserved areas or in high-impact research. This option allows qualified individuals to self-petition without an employer or labor certification.
J-1 Waivers
We assist with:
- Conrad 30 waivers for physicians working in shortage areas
- Hardship-based and persecution-based waivers for those with strong family or humanitarian equities
We work directly with physicians and employers nationwide to prepare waiver packets that meet both USCIS and agency requirements.
H-1B Visas (Cap-Exempt and Cap-Subject)
We support H-1B filings for hospitals, clinics, and nonprofits. We also work with foreign medical graduates transitioning from J-1 or F-1 status.
EB-3 Green Cards
We help nurses and physical therapists pursue EB-3 permanent residency through qualified employers, often without the need for PERM labor certification. We coordinate with employers and credentialing bodies to ensure complete filings and efficient processing.
PERM-Based Sponsorships
For healthcare professionals outside of Schedule A, we guide employers and workers through the PERM labor certification and recruitment process.
Registered Nurses and Physical Therapists
We handle green card applications that bypass PERM. We coordinate with employers and credentialing bodies to ensure complete filings and efficient processing.
EB-1A and O-1 for Extraordinary Physicians and Researchers
For highly accomplished professionals, we build cases demonstrating national/international acclaim through publications, awards, research, and leadership. These can be powerful tools for green card self-petitioning or temporary work visas.
Licensing & Credential Strategy
Immigration is only one part of your journey. We advise on VisaScreen, state licensure, CGFNS/FCCPT requirements, and timing strategies that align immigration filings with professional milestones.
Informed Immigration Strategy for Physicians
Whether you’re an international medical graduate planning your J-1 waiver strategy, a rural health facility recruiting foreign doctors, or a nurse navigating green card sponsorship, a physician exploring post-residency options, or a nurse navigating green card sponsorship, Kennedy Law is here to help you build a legally sound and future-oriented immigration plan.
Tailored Support for Different Career Stages
Whether you're still in training or already navigating post-residency decisions, Kennedy Law offers immigration planning that meets you where you are:
- IMGs in Training: If you’re currently in a U.S. residency or fellowship on a J-1 visa, we help you evaluate waiver options—such as Conrad 30 placements or hardship-based waivers—and prepare you for a seamless transition to long-term status.
- Post-Residency Physicians: If you’ve recently completed your training, we assist with selecting the best visa strategy—whether that involves securing a waiver-based position, transitioning to H-1B, or pursuing a green card through the National Interest Waiver or PERM.
- U.S. Hospitals and Clinics: We work with healthcare facilities seeking to sponsor foreign-trained physicians and nurses, guiding employers through the PERM process, H-1B petitions, and Conrad 30 placements to ensure full legal compliance and efficient onboarding.
- Registered Nurses and Allied Health Professionals: We support RNs, PTs, and other healthcare professionals pursuing immigrant visas under EB-3, helping to coordinate with sponsors and ensure proper credential recognition.
- Canadian Physicians: We advise Canadian doctors considering work in the U.S. on options such as TN visas, H-1B sponsorship, and permanent residence through NIW or PERM.
- Physician Recruiters and HR Managers: We help talent acquisition teams understand the immigration process, ensure proper visa sponsorship practices, and avoid common pitfalls that delay start dates or create compliance risks.
Understanding your stage in the healthcare system allows us to provide not just immigration help, but career-aligned legal strategy.