How doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals qualify for the EB-2 NIW green card with clinical and research evidence in 2026.
How doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals qualify for the EB-2 NIW green card with clinical and research evidence in 2026.
Healthcare workers and physicians can self-petition for a U.S. green card through the EB-2 National Interest Waiver by demonstrating their medical practice or research serves the national interest. Applicants need an advanced degree (MD, PhD, or master's) and must pass the three-prong Dhanasar test. The I-140 filing fee is $715 plus $600 Asylum Program Fee. Premium processing costs $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) for a 45 business day decision. Physicians serving in underserved areas have particularly strong national importance arguments.
Physicians (MDs/DOs), nurses with advanced degrees (DNP, MSN), pharmacists (PharmD), and medical researchers are strong EB-2 NIW candidates.
Healthcare is one of the strongest national importance fields - the AAMC projects a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036.
Physicians practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) or Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) have especially compelling national importance arguments.
The I-140 filing fee is $715 plus $600 Asylum Program Fee; premium processing adds $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026).
Physicians on J-1 waivers who complete their 3-year service requirement in underserved areas can transition to NIW-based green cards.
Standard I-140 processing takes 8-19 months; premium processing guarantees a 45 business day decision.
USCIS's January 2025 policy update continues to view healthcare endeavors favorably under the national importance prong.
Physicians (MDs/DOs), nurses with advanced degrees (DNP, MSN), pharmacists (PharmD), and medical researchers are strong EB-2 NIW candidates.
Healthcare is one of the strongest national importance fields - the AAMC projects a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036.
Physicians practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) or Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) have especially compelling national importance arguments.
The I-140 filing fee is $715 plus $600 Asylum Program Fee; premium processing adds $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026).
Physicians on J-1 waivers who complete their 3-year service requirement in underserved areas can transition to NIW-based green cards.
Standard I-140 processing takes 8-19 months; premium processing guarantees a 45 business day decision.
USCIS's January 2025 policy update continues to view healthcare endeavors favorably under the national importance prong.
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver allows healthcare professionals to self-petition for a U.S. green card without employer sponsorship or PERM labor certification. This is particularly valuable for physicians who may change practice locations or employers during the lengthy green card process, and for healthcare workers who want immigration independence.
Healthcare is one of the most favorable fields for EB-2 NIW petitions because the national importance argument is well-supported by data. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of 17,800 to 48,000 primary care physicians and 21,000 to 77,100 specialty physicians by 2036. This documented shortage directly supports the argument that healthcare professionals serve the U.S. national interest.
USCIS has long recognized healthcare as a field of substantial merit and national importance. The January 2025 policy update (PA-2025-03) reinforced this by including healthcare among the fields discussed in NIW guidance.
Learn more about the EB-2 NIW green card
The EB-2 NIW is available to a wide range of healthcare professionals:
Physicians (MD, DO) - primary care, specialists, surgeons, psychiatrists
Nurses with advanced degrees (DNP, MSN, CRNA)
Pharmacists (PharmD)
Dentists (DDS, DMD)
Physical therapists (DPT) with doctoral degrees
Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
Medical researchers (PhD in biomedical sciences, public health)
Public health professionals (MPH, DrPH)
Advanced Degree: An MD, DO, PhD, PharmD, DNP, DPT, or other graduate-level healthcare degree satisfies the EB-2 advanced degree requirement. Foreign medical degrees with ECFMG certification and equivalency evaluations are accepted.
Exceptional Ability: Healthcare professionals without advanced degrees may qualify by meeting 3 of 6 exceptional ability criteria, including 10+ years of experience, professional licenses, high salary, or peer recognition.
Prong 1 - Substantial Merit and National Importance:
Providing healthcare in a physician shortage area (HPSA) or medically underserved area (MUA)
Working in a specialty with documented national shortages (psychiatry, primary care, rural medicine, geriatrics)
Conducting medical research addressing significant health challenges
Developing public health programs or clinical protocols with national-scale impact
Prong 2 - Well-Positioned to Advance:
Medical degree and board certifications
Active medical licenses
Clinical experience and patient outcomes data
Published research, if applicable
Practice plans, hospital affiliations, or research positions
Prong 3 - Beneficial to Waive Requirements:
PERM process is impractical because healthcare shortages require immediate placement
The healthcare worker's expertise addresses a critical national need
Requiring labor certification for a physician in an underserved area delays healthcare delivery
National Importance Evidence:
HPSA or MUA designation letters from HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration)
State-level physician shortage data from AAMC or state medical boards
Letters from hospital administrators describing the local healthcare need
Provider-to-population ratios in the practice area
Well-Positioned Evidence:
Medical degree, board certifications, state medical licenses
Residency and fellowship completion certificates
Patient outcomes data or quality metrics
ECFMG certification (for international medical graduates)
National Importance Evidence:
Research addressing NIH priority areas
Grants from NIH, CDC, HRSA, or other federal health agencies
Published research with citation impact
Research influencing clinical guidelines or public health policy
National Importance Evidence:
Nursing shortage data (BLS projects 6% growth in RN employment through 2032)
Practice in underserved areas or critical specialties
Development of nursing protocols with broader impact
6-8 letters from public health officials, department chiefs, hospital CMOs, medical school faculty
At least 3 from experts at other institutions
Letters from community leaders attesting to healthcare need
Each letter should address specific Dhanasar prongs
Many international medical graduates (IMGs) enter the U.S. on J-1 visas for residency training. The J-1 visa carries a two-year home residency requirement. Physicians can obtain a waiver by committing to practice in an underserved area for 3 years.
After completing the J-1 waiver service obligation, physicians can file an EB-2 NIW petition. The evidence from their underserved area practice directly supports the national importance argument.
Key J-1 waiver programs:
Conrad State 30 Program (each state can recommend up to 30 physicians per year)
USDA/Appalachian Regional Commission programs
HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) waiver
VA (Veterans Affairs) waiver for physicians serving at VA facilities
Interested Government Agency (IGA) waivers
Step 1: Verify EB-2 eligibility (advanced healthcare degree, board certifications, licenses).
Step 2: Define your proposed endeavor with clear national importance.
Step 3: Gather evidence: HPSA/MUA designations, shortage data, publications, and 6-8 recommendation letters.
Step 4: File Form I-140 as a self-petition ($715 + $600). Add premium processing if needed ($2,805).
Step 5: Wait for I-140 adjudication (8-19 months standard, 45 business days premium).
Step 6: After approval, wait for priority date. File I-485 or complete consular processing.
Not sure if you qualify? Take the free visa evaluation
Item | Cost / Timeline |
|---|---|
Form I-140 filing fee | $715 |
Asylum Program Fee | $600 |
Premium processing | $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) |
Standard I-140 processing | 8-19 months |
Premium processing decision | 45 business days |
Form I-485 filing fee | $1,440 |
Medical exam | $200-$500 |
Attorney fees | $5,000-$15,000 |
Visa Bulletin wait (most countries) | 1-2 years |
Visa Bulletin wait (India) | 10+ years |
Feature | EB-2 NIW | EB-2 with PERM |
|---|---|---|
Self-Petition | Yes | No (hospital must sponsor) |
Job Offer Required | No | Yes |
PERM Labor Certification | Waived | Required (6-18 months) |
Portability | Full - change employers freely | Tied to sponsoring employer |
Premium Processing (I-140) | 45 business days ($2,805) | 15 business days ($2,805) |
Best For | Physicians wanting flexibility | Physicians with stable long-term employer |
Risk if Changing Employers | None | May restart PERM |
Learn more about the green card process
Claiming to practice in an underserved area without official HPSA or MUA designation letters weakens the petition. Obtain formal documentation from HRSA.
"I treat patients" is insufficient. Describe the specific endeavor, such as "providing psychiatric care to an underserved rural population of 50,000 residents with no other psychiatrist within 60 miles."
Frame the endeavor in terms of addressing systemic healthcare shortages, developing scalable treatment protocols, or advancing medical research, not just individual patient care.
Seek letters from public health officials, department chairs at other institutions, and medical school faculty who can speak to the broader importance of the healthcare worker's contribution.
Physicians who conduct research should include publications, citations, and grants as additional evidence of being well-positioned.
Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016)
Disclaimer: OpenSphere is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal counsel. Immigration laws change frequently; always consult with a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Not sure which visa is right for you? Take OpenSphere's free visa evaluation to get a personalized recommendation in minutes.
The EB-2 National Interest Waiver allows healthcare professionals to self-petition for a U.S. green card without employer sponsorship or PERM labor certification. This is particularly valuable for physicians who may change practice locations or employers during the lengthy green card process, and for healthcare workers who want immigration independence.
Healthcare is one of the most favorable fields for EB-2 NIW petitions because the national importance argument is well-supported by data. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortage of 17,800 to 48,000 primary care physicians and 21,000 to 77,100 specialty physicians by 2036. This documented shortage directly supports the argument that healthcare professionals serve the U.S. national interest.
USCIS has long recognized healthcare as a field of substantial merit and national importance. The January 2025 policy update (PA-2025-03) reinforced this by including healthcare among the fields discussed in NIW guidance.
Learn more about the EB-2 NIW green card
The EB-2 NIW is available to a wide range of healthcare professionals:
Physicians (MD, DO) - primary care, specialists, surgeons, psychiatrists
Nurses with advanced degrees (DNP, MSN, CRNA)
Pharmacists (PharmD)
Dentists (DDS, DMD)
Physical therapists (DPT) with doctoral degrees
Psychologists (PhD, PsyD)
Medical researchers (PhD in biomedical sciences, public health)
Public health professionals (MPH, DrPH)
Advanced Degree: An MD, DO, PhD, PharmD, DNP, DPT, or other graduate-level healthcare degree satisfies the EB-2 advanced degree requirement. Foreign medical degrees with ECFMG certification and equivalency evaluations are accepted.
Exceptional Ability: Healthcare professionals without advanced degrees may qualify by meeting 3 of 6 exceptional ability criteria, including 10+ years of experience, professional licenses, high salary, or peer recognition.
Prong 1 - Substantial Merit and National Importance:
Providing healthcare in a physician shortage area (HPSA) or medically underserved area (MUA)
Working in a specialty with documented national shortages (psychiatry, primary care, rural medicine, geriatrics)
Conducting medical research addressing significant health challenges
Developing public health programs or clinical protocols with national-scale impact
Prong 2 - Well-Positioned to Advance:
Medical degree and board certifications
Active medical licenses
Clinical experience and patient outcomes data
Published research, if applicable
Practice plans, hospital affiliations, or research positions
Prong 3 - Beneficial to Waive Requirements:
PERM process is impractical because healthcare shortages require immediate placement
The healthcare worker's expertise addresses a critical national need
Requiring labor certification for a physician in an underserved area delays healthcare delivery
National Importance Evidence:
HPSA or MUA designation letters from HRSA (Health Resources and Services Administration)
State-level physician shortage data from AAMC or state medical boards
Letters from hospital administrators describing the local healthcare need
Provider-to-population ratios in the practice area
Well-Positioned Evidence:
Medical degree, board certifications, state medical licenses
Residency and fellowship completion certificates
Patient outcomes data or quality metrics
ECFMG certification (for international medical graduates)
National Importance Evidence:
Research addressing NIH priority areas
Grants from NIH, CDC, HRSA, or other federal health agencies
Published research with citation impact
Research influencing clinical guidelines or public health policy
National Importance Evidence:
Nursing shortage data (BLS projects 6% growth in RN employment through 2032)
Practice in underserved areas or critical specialties
Development of nursing protocols with broader impact
6-8 letters from public health officials, department chiefs, hospital CMOs, medical school faculty
At least 3 from experts at other institutions
Letters from community leaders attesting to healthcare need
Each letter should address specific Dhanasar prongs
Many international medical graduates (IMGs) enter the U.S. on J-1 visas for residency training. The J-1 visa carries a two-year home residency requirement. Physicians can obtain a waiver by committing to practice in an underserved area for 3 years.
After completing the J-1 waiver service obligation, physicians can file an EB-2 NIW petition. The evidence from their underserved area practice directly supports the national importance argument.
Key J-1 waiver programs:
Conrad State 30 Program (each state can recommend up to 30 physicians per year)
USDA/Appalachian Regional Commission programs
HHS (Department of Health and Human Services) waiver
VA (Veterans Affairs) waiver for physicians serving at VA facilities
Interested Government Agency (IGA) waivers
Step 1: Verify EB-2 eligibility (advanced healthcare degree, board certifications, licenses).
Step 2: Define your proposed endeavor with clear national importance.
Step 3: Gather evidence: HPSA/MUA designations, shortage data, publications, and 6-8 recommendation letters.
Step 4: File Form I-140 as a self-petition ($715 + $600). Add premium processing if needed ($2,805).
Step 5: Wait for I-140 adjudication (8-19 months standard, 45 business days premium).
Step 6: After approval, wait for priority date. File I-485 or complete consular processing.
Not sure if you qualify? Take the free visa evaluation
Item | Cost / Timeline |
|---|---|
Form I-140 filing fee | $715 |
Asylum Program Fee | $600 |
Premium processing | $2,805 ($2,965 after March 1, 2026) |
Standard I-140 processing | 8-19 months |
Premium processing decision | 45 business days |
Form I-485 filing fee | $1,440 |
Medical exam | $200-$500 |
Attorney fees | $5,000-$15,000 |
Visa Bulletin wait (most countries) | 1-2 years |
Visa Bulletin wait (India) | 10+ years |
Feature | EB-2 NIW | EB-2 with PERM |
|---|---|---|
Self-Petition | Yes | No (hospital must sponsor) |
Job Offer Required | No | Yes |
PERM Labor Certification | Waived | Required (6-18 months) |
Portability | Full - change employers freely | Tied to sponsoring employer |
Premium Processing (I-140) | 45 business days ($2,805) | 15 business days ($2,805) |
Best For | Physicians wanting flexibility | Physicians with stable long-term employer |
Risk if Changing Employers | None | May restart PERM |
Learn more about the green card process
Claiming to practice in an underserved area without official HPSA or MUA designation letters weakens the petition. Obtain formal documentation from HRSA.
"I treat patients" is insufficient. Describe the specific endeavor, such as "providing psychiatric care to an underserved rural population of 50,000 residents with no other psychiatrist within 60 miles."
Frame the endeavor in terms of addressing systemic healthcare shortages, developing scalable treatment protocols, or advancing medical research, not just individual patient care.
Seek letters from public health officials, department chairs at other institutions, and medical school faculty who can speak to the broader importance of the healthcare worker's contribution.
Physicians who conduct research should include publications, citations, and grants as additional evidence of being well-positioned.
Matter of Dhanasar, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016)
Disclaimer: OpenSphere is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal counsel. Immigration laws change frequently; always consult with a licensed immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Not sure which visa is right for you? Take OpenSphere's free visa evaluation to get a personalized recommendation in minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physicians practicing in underserved areas qualify for the EB-2 NIW?
Yes. Physicians in HPSAs or MUAs are among the strongest EB-2 NIW candidates. The AAMC projects up to 86,000 physicians short by 2036, directly supporting the national importance argument. Official HPSA/MUA designation letters from HRSA provide critical evidence.
Can physicians practicing in underserved areas qualify for the EB-2 NIW?
Can nurses qualify for the EB-2 NIW green card?
Yes, nurses with advanced degrees (DNP, MSN) can qualify. The EB-2 requires an advanced degree, so a BSN alone is insufficient. Nurse practitioners, CRNAs, and clinical nurse specialists with doctoral or master's degrees who practice in shortage areas can build strong NIW petitions.
Can nurses qualify for the EB-2 NIW green card?
How do international medical graduates (IMGs) qualify for the EB-2 NIW?
IMGs must obtain ECFMG certification and complete a U.S. residency program. They qualify through their foreign medical degree (with equivalency evaluation) plus U.S. training. IMGs who completed J-1 waiver service in underserved areas have particularly strong petitions because their clinical evidence directly demonstrates national importance.
How do international medical graduates (IMGs) qualify for the EB-2 NIW?
Can medical researchers qualify without clinical practice?
Yes. Medical researchers with PhDs or MDs conducting significant research can qualify by demonstrating their research serves the national interest. Evidence includes publications in top journals, NIH grants, citation impact, and research influencing clinical guidelines. USCIS views medical research as a field of substantial merit and national importance.
Can medical researchers qualify without clinical practice?
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