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 obtain a green card this way.
And if you don’t have an employer willing to sponsor, then labor certification is not an option at all.
I have helped many physicians quickly obtain a green card, 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 Extraordinary Ability Green Card. Physicians who have engaged in 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 an EB-1 green card victory:
- Publish and present as often as possible, preferably in national or international publications and conferences. While no set number of posts or submissions is required, the more the merrier. Be sure to keep track of citations and downloads of your open access articles, studies, or abstracts. While citations are not required, they are highly regarded by the government.
- Become a peer reviewer, serve on editorial boards, or serve on fellowship or conference organizing committees to demonstrate that you’ve judged the work of others in your field. Store all your service acknowledgments in these capacities.
- Acquire membership in professional organizations that require high achievement for entry, such as becoming a member of the American College of Physicians (FACP), the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, or another professional honorary society.
- Get support from national and international experts in your field. Reference letters 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 papers or career and explain your contributions to medical science, if any.
- Take on additional roles at 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 useful for your application.
I hope this article helps you understand basic immigration requirements, but please do not take it as legal advice or legal opinion on your specific circumstances. The evaluation of your case by an experienced immigration attorney should be part of your immigration prescription.