Physician National Interest Waiver

PCRH’s immigration programs exist to help recruit physicians to underserved areas. When physicians travel to the US to complete their graduate medical education, they come on a J-1 Visa. This visa allows them to complete their training, but then requires them to return to their home country for two years before applying for a work visa. Physicians can waive this requirement by applying for the Physician National Interest Waiver program.

After international medical graduates with an exchange visitor (J) visa finish their residency or medical schooling, they are required to live in their country of origin for at least 2 years before returning to practice in the U.S.
A PNIW allows foreign physicians to apply for a green card without a job offer or a labor certification.
Individuals of exceptional ability and individuals who are members of the professions holding advanced degrees, like physicians, may apply to get a Green Card (permanent residence).
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services may grant a PNIW if a physician has worked or agrees to work for a period of time in a designated underserved area, among other reasons.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) can provide a letter of support for qualifying individuals applying for a PNIW.
To be eligible for a DHHS letter of support, the applicant must provide documentation that they will be employed in Utah in a position that serves the public interest.

To qualify for such a waiver, the physician must provide needed healthcare services in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), Medically Underserved Area (MUA), or Medically Underserved Population (MUP) in Utah. Qualifying physicians must agree to deliver health care services for 5 years in a federally designated shortage area with a primary care HPSA score of at least 7. For psychiatrists, a mental health HPSA score of at least 7 is required. No score is required for an MUA/MUP.

Click here to learn about HPSAs.

Physician National Interest Waiver checklist

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