To be eligible to receive an immigrant visa to adjust status as a special immigrant physician, the principal applicant must be classified as a special immigrant physician by USCIS. The applicant must obtain such classification by filing a Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant (Form I-360). 

There are several visa options available to physicians for this purpose including: The J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, H-1B Temporary Worker Visa, E-3 Australian Temporary Worker, O-1 Visa for Aliens of Extraordinary Ability, TN Visa for Canadian or Mexican Physicians, or National Interest Waiver. 

Immigration medical examinations conducted inside the United States must be performed by a civil surgeon who has been designated by USCIS. (Immigration medical examinations conducted outside the United States must be performed by a panel physician who is authorized by the Department of State.) 

The route is often easier for doctors in high-demand specialties, as there is a shortage of healthcare professionals in the U.S. This shortage allows doctors to apply for a Green Card under specific provisions like the National Interest Waiver (NIW) or the Schedule A category, both of which can expedite the process. 

Today, 1 in 4 doctors are foreign-born, international medical graduates. Their numbers are even larger in underserved areas – essentially, low-income, more rural parts of the country where many American doctors don’t want to work. This immigrant workforce is key to offsetting a dire physician shortage.