AMNews: Nov. 10, 2003. Visa cap likely to hurt rural clinics ... American Medical News

Visa cap likely to hurt rural clinics

The number of H1-B visas is being cut by two-thirds for next year, creating uncertainty for international medical graduates and those hiring them.

By Myrle Croasdale, AMNews staff. Nov. 10, 2003.

Rural practices and hospitals not affiliated with universities are going to find it harder to get visas for newly hired international medical graduates.

On Oct. 1, the number of H1-B visas for physicians -- and other professionals such as engineers and computer analysts -- was cut to 65,000 from 195,000. Most IMGs initially work in the United States under H1-B or J-1 visas. The H1-B covers technical professions, and the J-1 is for those coming to study or train.

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Legal experts estimate the 65,000 visas will be taken by January 2004 -- March at the latest. Physicians renewing H1-B visas will not be affected, and those working at educational institutions are exempt from the cap.

Greg Siskind, an immigration attorney with Siskind, Susser, Haas & Devine, in Memphis, Tenn., said there is a move to lift the cap for physicians but it was not a sure thing.

"Come January when the cap runs out, we'll start hearing horror stories about people not getting visas," said Siskind. While the '90s technology boom fueled demand for internationally trained professionals in Silicon Valley, in today's economic climate, the visa cap is seen as a way to help U.S. residents get jobs, he said.

Los Angeles immigration attorney Carl Shusterman said the cap was sure to have an impact on some IMGs. Those with J-1 visas who want to stay after residency often seek jobs in underserved areas in hopes of qualifying for an exemption from a requirement to return to their home countries for two years. Once they get the waiver, they apply for an H1-B work visa, but the clinics that need them may not be able to get the visas.

It's unclear whether IMGs who apply for jobs in underserved areas via state-sponsored Conrad 30 programs will be exempt from the cap, the attorneys said.

Siskind estimated 1,000 to 2,000 IMGs may find themselves without visas.

"After a period of several months and these jobs are still vacant because there aren't U.S. citizens interested in filling them, then the cap may be lifted, for physicians, at least." Siskind said.

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PROFESSIONAL ISSUES

Visa cap likely to hurt rural clinics

The number of H1-B visas is being cut by two-thirds for next year, creating uncertainty for international medical graduates and those hiring them.

In PROFESSION

In other
SECTIONS

PROFESSIONAL ISSUES

Visa cap likely to hurt rural clinics

The number of H1-B visas is being cut by two-thirds for next year, creating uncertainty for international medical graduates and those hiring them.

In PROFESSION

In other SECTIONS

In other
SECTIONS