Tag: J-1 Visas

The Health and Human Services (HHS) J waiver, an integral part of U.S. immigration policy, allows foreign medical graduates on J-1 visas to waive their two-year home-country physical presence requirement under specific conditions. This option proves beneficial for physicians specializing in primary care who are within a year of completion of a medical residency program.  […]

On December 5, 2023, the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) announced its J-1 Visa Waiver Expansion Program. As part of its effort to provide rural and underserved areas in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont with adequate access to quality and affordable healthcare, this program aims to streamline the visa process for physicians trained […]

The H-1B program allows companies and other employers in the U.S. to temporarily employ foreign workers in occupations that require the theoretical and practical application of a body of highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s degree or higher in the specific specialty, or its equivalent. If the petition is granted, the H-1B visa will be […]

Here are five essential insights from Berardi attorney Andrea Godfread-Brown relative to physician immigration for recruiters and hospitals. Understanding Visa Statuses of IMGs It’s crucial to know if an International Medical Graduate (IMG) holds H-1B or J-1 visa status. J-1 status necessitates a two-year return to the home country, impacting the transition to H-1B status […]

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the United States is positioning itself to be a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) development, guided by the “Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence.” This ambitious order not only sets a clear path for the responsible development of AI but […]

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently issued an important policy update regarding the 2-year foreign residence requirement for nonimmigrant exchange visitors holding J-1 visas. This update brings welcome clarity to various aspects of the J-1 visa program. Understanding the J-1 Nonimmigrant Classification The J-1 visa is designed for exchange visitors who come to […]

When applying for a U.S. visa, one necessary step involves attending an in-person visa interview. During this session, a consular officer will evaluate your qualification for the visa. You may be asked about several topics such as the purpose of your travel, employment, financial standing, educational background, and your familial and residential circumstances. The primary […]

In a recent announcement, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) revealed the expansion of premium processing for applicants filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. This expansion aims to streamline and expedite the processing of applications seeking a change of status to F-1, F-2, M-1, M-2, J-1, or J-2 nonimmigrant status. The USCIS will […]

U.S. immigration agencies and the Biden Administration are working together to provide new guidance, policies, and incentives to attract and retain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree holders to bolster the U.S. workforce. These goals are consistent with President Biden’s goal of removing barriers to legal immigration as evidenced by Executive Order 14012, Restoring […]

The U.S. continues to limit travel into the U.S. due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. As many are aware, India is experiencing the world’s worst Covid-19 outbreak. The country is facing a new wave of COVID-19 due to the widespread, on-going transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and now accounts for over one-third […]