Most physicians obtain a green card through an employer’s sponsorship of the labor certification process. Depending on your country of birth, it can take anywhere from one to eight years to get a green card this way.
And if you don’t have an employer willing to sponsor, then labor certification isn’t an option at all.
I have helped many physicians obtain green cards quickly, avoiding lengthy waiting lists or the need for a sponsor. Some of these doctors have not even practiced medicine in the US How? It is possible through the EB-1A Green Card of Extraordinary Ability. Physicians who have pursued professional activities beyond clinical work may consider this option.
However, each case is different and, of course, there is no guarantee that you will win a green card through this route. But with a little preparation, a doctor can help greatly improve the odds. Here are five of the best steps you can take that could lead to EB-1 green card victory:
- Publish and present as often as possible, preferably in national or international publications and conferences. While there is no set number of posts or submissions required, the more the better. Be sure to track citations and downloads of your open access articles, studies, or abstracts. Although citations are not required, the government places great importance on them.
- Become a peer reviewer, serve on editorial boards, or participate in organizing committees for grants or conferences to demonstrate that you have judged the work of others in your field. Save all your service acknowledgments in these capacities.
- Gain membership in professional organizations that require high performance for entry, such as becoming a member of the American College of Physicians (FACP), the Sigma Xi Society for Scientific Research, or another professional honorary society.
- Get support from national and international experts in your field. Letters of reference are essential and should come from other experts in the US and abroad. Ideally, you should have the support of someone who has not worked with you but who can independently review your articles or career and explain your contributions to medical science, if any.
- Take on additional roles in your job, such as joining key committees that oversee various components of operations, especially if you work for a high-ranking medical institution. Winning awards within your organization is also helpful to your application.
I hope this article helps you understand basic immigration requirements, but please do not consider it legal advice or legal opinion about your specific circumstances. The evaluation of your case by an experienced immigration attorney should be part of your immigration prescription.