Physician National Interest Waivers/Green Cards
A national interest waiver petition is used to obtain permanent residency. The main advantage of this request is that an applicant does not have to file a labor certification petition. Another advantage is that a job offer is not always required, in other words, a qualifying individual may file for himself (self petitioning). This petition is advantageous for physicians who work in an underserved area. Physicians seeking this application file under EB-2 preference for Advanced Degree Professionals.
Physician (NIW) Requirements:
- Contract: If the physician will be an employee: a full-time employment contract (issued and dated within 6 months prior to the date the petition is filed) for the required period of clinical medical practice, or an employment commitment letter from a Veteran’s Affairs (VA) facility.
- Self-Sponsorship: If the physician will establish his or her own practice, the physicians sworn statement committing to the full-time practice of clinical medicine for the required period, and describing the steps the physician has taken or intends to actually take to establish the practice.
Length of Required Waiver Service:
If the physician already has authorization to accept employment (other than as a J-1 exchange alien), the beneficiary physician must complete an aggregate 5 years of qualifying full-time clinical practice.