Veteran’ Affairs (VA) Physician J-1 Visa Waiver Program
The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA) presently has an established J-1 visa waiver program for foreign doctors (IMGS/FMGs) who commit to work in a VA facility for at least 3 years. It also permit waivers to be approved for employment appointments with VHA affiliates.
General VA Waiver Requirements Recruitment:
A sponsoring facility must have undertaken a comprehensive recruitment effort that has failed to produce a qualified citizen or permanent resident. Journal advertisements may not be more than 6 months old at the time of submission of the waiver request.
Offer of Employment:
Waivers are only granted to aliens who have bona-fide offers of full-time employment. For purposes of the VHA waiver program, 100 percent VHA employment is preferred. Consideration will be given to requests for joint appointments with VHA affiliates, provided the combined employment package is full-time and at least 5/8 of such employment is with VHA. However, in such situations, the recruitment advertising and other publicity must clearly depict the employment opportunity as being full-time, and all applicants must be given genuine consideration for employment by both institutions.
Commencement of Employment:
Sponsored J-1 visa aliens must agree to begin employment with the facility within 90 days of receiving a waiver and to continue employment with the facility for a period of not less than 3 years.
Aliens Visa Status:
The sponsored J-1 visa alien must be in valid immigration status in order to be eligible for J-1 visa waiver sponsorship.
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General VA Waiver Requirements Recruitment:
A sponsoring facility must have undertaken a comprehensive recruitment effort that has failed to produce a qualified citizen or permanent resident. Journal advertisements may not be more than 6 months old at the time of submission of the waiver request.
Offer of Employment:
Waivers are only granted to aliens who have bona-fide offers of full-time employment. For purposes of the VHA waiver program, 100 percent VHA employment is preferred. Consideration will be given to requests for joint appointments with VHA affiliates, provided the combined employment package is full-time and at least 5/8 of such employment is with VHA. However, in such situations, the recruitment advertising and other publicity must clearly depict the employment opportunity as being full-time, and all applicants must be given genuine consideration for employment by both institutions.
Commencement of Employment:
Sponsored J-1 visa aliens must agree to begin employment with the facility within 90 days of receiving a waiver and to continue employment with the facility for a period of not less than 3 years.
Aliens Visa Status:
The sponsored J-1 visa alien must be in valid immigration status in order to be eligible for J-1 visa waiver sponsorship.