US visa for doctors
Doctors can obtain a US visa for doctors if they have 1-3 years of residency experience abroad, pass the USMLE exam, and have their medical degree credentialed. They also need an IELTS score of 6.5 and must attend preparatory courses. Experienced doctors can earn up to $352,000 annually, with a minimum salary around $68,000.
For questions about US visa for doctors or degree evaluation, you can get a free consultation to find your best immigration path. In the comments section, you can also ask your questions and receive answers in a short time.
Conditions of US visa for doctors
If you are a doctor who intends to work in the USA, you must first pass the USMLE medical exam. In the USA, each state has its own specific laws for medical licensing and practice. Doctors who intend to immigrate to the USA must work one to three years as a resident outside the USA before applying for a work permit. Passing the USMLE exam is also required for the residency and medical specialty in the USA.
Steps for credential evaluation of medical degrees in the USA
Globalization has eased job mobility in many professions, but foreign doctors face stricter hurdles in the U.S. healthcare system. Known as Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), these professionals must meet specific requirements to practice medicine in the United States.
To work as a doctor in the USA, FMGs need to prove English proficiency and a solid foundation in sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics. The key step is passing the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), which has three phases. U.S. medical education includes a 3-year pre-med or science degree, the MCAT exam, four years of medical school, and residency training. FMGs must complete equivalent internships and pass all three USMLE steps to be recognized as U.S.-licensed physicians.
The USMLE exam for medical licensing in the USA
The MCAT is a one-day, computer-based test with four 90–95 minute multiple-choice sections. The USMLE has three steps combining computer-based and practical exams, taken during medical education in the USA.
International medical graduates usually take USMLE Steps 1 and 2 online or in nearby countries. Step 3 is taken after internship in the USA and is required for full licensure and credentialing, with ECFMG certification needed. High scores in Steps 1 and 2 are crucial for securing internships. J visa applicants must pass Step 2 before starting their U.S. internship, after which they can work with an H visa.
Steps 1 and 2 focus on clinical knowledge and skills, preparing doctors to manage patient care from diagnosis to treatment. Step 3 confirms readiness for independent practice.
Immigration of General Practitioners to the USA
Immigration of general practitioners to the USA attracts many applicants from around the world. A significant percentage of general practitioners in the USA are international individuals. The USA, with its high living standards and income, is attractive to doctors; general practitioners will earn a high income by immigrating to the USA and experience life in an ideal environment.
Immigration of Specialist Doctors to the USA
Specialist doctors applying for immigration to the USA face specific requirements. High-demand, well-paid specialties include internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, and anesthesia. Specialists have better immigration chances than general practitioners but must meet credential evaluation and English proficiency standards. Having a U.S. hospital job offer significantly improves the immigration process.
Language Certificate Required for Doctors’ Immigration to the USA
Immigration of doctors to the USA promises an ideal life along with high income for applicants. One of the important factors to consider during immigration is the language certificate required for doctors’ immigration to the USA.
Since doctors must communicate well with their patients and the official language of the USA is English, doctors must provide an English language certificate for immigration. The required language certificate for doctors’ immigration to the USA is an IELTS score of 6.5.
Cost of Doctors’ Immigration to the USA
Usually, the first thing that comes to mind when considering doctors’ immigration to the USA is estimating its costs. When you apply for medical credential evaluation in the USA, you must pay close attention to the steps involved. Because at each step, you will incur costs.
Administrative costs for credential evaluation and participation in the USMLE exam have increased in 2019. Malekpour Institute will further analyze the detailed costs of this process.
- The cost of applying for the ECFMG certification, which includes $135.
- The cost of registering for the first and second steps of the USMLE in the clinical knowledge section in each step includes $940.
- The cost of registering for the first and second steps of the USMLE in the clinical skills section in each step includes $1580.
- The cost of extending the clinical knowledge exam for each step is $80.
- The cost of changing the testing area and scope of the USMLE for each step is $75.
- The cost of obtaining a US visa after passing the second step, which is J-1, is $340.
Documents Required for Credential Evaluation of Medical Degrees in the USA
All medical students who intend to immigrate to the USA and start working after graduation must undergo credential evaluation of their medical degree in the USA. For credential evaluation in the USA, you must participate in exams specified by the US government. Before participating in the desired exam, you must complete the required training courses.
These exams are known as USMLE exams, and by attaining passing scores on them, you will receive a work permit in the USA. Required documents for credential evaluation of medical degrees in the USA include educational documents such as medical degree, language certificate, proof of passing the exam, etc.
Doctors’ Income in the USA
The income of any job is one of the effective factors in choosing that profession. Of course, interest is one of the main factors, but income and social status can also be influential. When you consider the immigration of doctors to the USA, you imagine your income in the USA. Indeed, the income of doctors varies significantly at different levels of work experience. Malekpour Institute analyzes the incomes and costs of various doctors in the USA in this section.
- Income for a doctor with the highest work experience: $169 per hour and $352,000 per year.
- Income for a senior doctor: $86 per hour and $179,000 per year.
- Income for a doctor with average work experience: $50 per hour and $105,000 per year.
- Income for a doctor in the early years: $37 per hour and $78,000 per year.
- Minimum income for a doctor in internships and initial steps: $33 per hour and $68,000 per year.
Income of General Practitioners in the USA
Since the USA has the best technology and hospitals with premier facilities and laboratories, it is among the best medical centers in the world, with experienced doctors and staff. The demand for general practitioners in the USA is high, and they earn substantial incomes. The average annual income for a general practitioner in the USA is $227,337, which can vary based on various factors such as location, level of experience, and their skills.
Income of Specialist Doctors in the USA
Regarding the income of specialist doctors in the USA, the salaries of doctors in this country are determined based on their specialties. Doctors can change their income levels based on their fields of specialization. Below, we present a list of incomes for specialist doctors in the USA.
| Specialty | Annual Income (USD) |
|---|---|
| Gastroenterology | $408,000 |
| ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) | $383,000 |
| Intensive Care | $354,000 |
| Plastic Surgery | $501,000 |
| Anesthesia | $386,000 |
| Ophthalmology | $357,000 |
| Cardiology | $423,000 |
| Urology | $373,000 |
| Radiology | $401,000 |
| Orthopedics | $497,000 |
Work Status of Doctors in the USA
When applying for doctors’ immigration to the USA, understanding job prospects is crucial. The unemployment rate for doctors in the USA is just 0.7%, meaning 993 out of 1,000 doctors find jobs matching their qualifications.
This low unemployment rate highlights strong job security and opportunities for immigrant doctors. While the future looks promising, the credential evaluation and immigration process can be complex and requires careful preparation.
Working Hours of Doctors in the USA
Regarding the working hours of doctors in the USA, most doctors work between 40 to 60 hours weekly, yet over a quarter of them work more than 60 hours, with a small percentage (5 percent) averaging 80 hours or more. The number of working days varies based on the specific needs of their workplace.
Advantages of US visa for doctors
In recent years, the United States has remained a desirable destination for medical professionals from around the world. The advantages of doctors’ immigration to the USA are not only significant but diverse, making it an attractive option for physicians looking for a new chapter in their careers.
- Exceptional Career Opportunities – Work in top hospitals, private clinics, or research institutions with options to explore multiple specialties.
- High Salaries – Competitive pay with benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and bonuses.
- Advanced Technology – Access cutting-edge equipment, innovative treatments, and research opportunities.
- Specialized Training – Pursue specialty or subspecialty programs to enhance expertise and attract patients.
- High Quality of Life – Enjoy better work-life balance, education, healthcare, and leisure activities.
- Path to Citizenship – Opportunities for permanent residency and U.S. citizenship provide long-term stability.
Conditions for Dependents’ Visa for Doctors in the USA
After passing the second step of the USMLE, doctors can obtain a J-1 visa to apply for internships in the USA. This visa supports skilled professionals in cultural and scientific exchange. Family members—spouses and single children under 21—can get J-2 visas, allowing them to study and work in the USA. This makes it easier for doctors immigrating to the USA for credential evaluation to bring their families and support them during internships.
Conditions for obtaining residency and citizenship in the USA after credential evaluation
Those considering immigration certainly envision their future in the destination country. This foresight may concern obtaining permanent residency and even citizenship in that country. Generally, the USA offers favorable conditions for applicants to obtain permanent residency. Therefore, individuals can enter the process for obtaining permanent residency in the USA by meeting the appropriate conditions. When you have worked in the USA for two years, you can apply for permanent residency or US Green Card. The US Green Card is valid for ten years.
Both J-1 and H-1B visas allow doctors to apply for a Green Card in the USA. Holding an H-1B visa and working for two years enables you to apply for permanent residency. After five years of living and working in the USA, you can apply for citizenship, which requires proficiency in English and knowledge of American culture and history.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Doctors’ Immigration to the USA
- Is US visa for doctors reasonable?
This is completely subjective. One person may consider the USA their dream destination, while others may prefer different countries over it. However, doctors in foreign countries have favorable conditions for work and life.
- What is the language proficiency required for the USMLE exam?
IELTS or TOEFL is not mandatory for taking the USMLE. All candidates who have acceptable degrees in the USA are permitted to take this exam. However, if you are coming from outside the USA to take the exam, you must have the required language proficiency. This is because this exam has different steps, and you may need different levels of language proficiency at each step.
- Does Malekpour Institute take action regarding US visa for doctors?
Yes. Malekpour Institute, with years of brilliant experience in the field of immigration, can assist you esteemed doctors in the credential evaluation process in various countries across different continents. For more information, you can contact the consultants of the office.
Conclusion:
The USA, with its very strong immigration receptiveness and established steps and procedures for doctors’ immigration, is recognized as a leading country in the acceptance of physicians. Therefore, for the immigration process of doctors to the USA, it is recommended that individuals consult with the experts at Malekpour Institute before making any decisions concerning the credential evaluation of their medical degree in the USA.
You can use the comment section at the end of this part of the article to share their opinions and questions regarding doctors’ immigration to the USA, so that knowledgeable individuals can address them.
