Non-Immigrant Visas for Healthcare Professionals in Houston

 Posted on November 15, 2023 in Immigration

Houston’s world-renowned medical facilities and rapidly growing healthcare industry are powered by professionals from around the world. If you are a doctor, nurse, therapist, or other medical expert interested in working in Texas, using a non-immigrant work visa may enable you to practice legally in the United States. A Texas lawyer can help you with the process.

H-1B Visa

The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations like medicine, nursing, and therapy.

To qualify for an H-1B as a healthcare worker in Houston:

• You must hold the U.S. equivalent of a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• The hiring employer must file an H-1B petition and prove you have the required credentials.
• Annual H-1B visa caps apply, so applications should be filed promptly.
• H-1Bs are initially valid for three years and can be extended to 6 years total.

J-1 Visa

J-1 visas offer an exchange visitor program for temporary foreign medical professionals to work and train in the U.S.

To obtain a J-1 as a doctor or nurse in Houston:

• You must secure sponsorship from an authorized U.S. exchange visitor program.
• Clinical and educational requirements apply.
• The initial stay is limited to 7 years, with potential for extension.

Other Options

Additional non-immigrant visas, like the TN visa for Canadians and Mexicans and the H-2B visa for seasonal workers, may apply to some roles. The TN visa enables citizens of Canada and Mexico to work in several professional occupations in the U.S., including medical and health services. To qualify for a TN visa, you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and meet all licensure requirements.

Timing Can Make or Break Your Case

Some non-immigrant visas, like H-1Bs, are subject to annual limitations, so timing is important. To improve your chances of working as a healthcare professional, contact an immigration lawyer immediately to start the process. The sooner you start, the sooner you can reach your dream.

Contact an Irving, TX Immigration Lawyer

With the right visa, doctors, nurses, therapists, and other medical experts from abroad can properly join Houston’s outstanding healthcare community. A Dallas, TX immigration attorney can help make your dream of working in Houston a reality. Call John W. Lawit, LLC at 214-609-2242 to see what you need to get started on the process. Your knowledgeable attorney will walk you through the legal procedures at hand, ensuring you know and understand the best options for you at this time.