O1 Visa for Doctors

O-1 Visa Attorneys – Specializing in Medical Professionals

At our Los Angeles law firm, we focus on assisting doctors and medical professionals with extraordinary ability in navigating U.S. immigration law. Whether you are a physician, surgeon, or medical researcher, we understand the unique requirements of O-1A visas for those in the medical field. Our expertise also extends to the EB-1 Extraordinary Ability Petition, enabling qualified medical professionals to apply directly for a Green Card, allowing them to continue their critical work in the United States.

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O1 Visa for Doctors and Medical Professionals

An O-1 Visa allows doctors and other medical professionals to live and work in the U.S. for an initial period of up to 3 years, with indefinite renewals. You can continue your education, hold multiple O-1 Visas simultaneously, and pursue permanent residency via a Green Card. The visa also provides flexibility for international travel. Your spouse and children (under 21) can join you under the O-3 Visa, though they are not permitted to work.

Criteria for O-1 Visa Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet at least three out of eight criteria (please see below) and have a job offer. The system is straightforward: meeting three criteria qualifies you for the visa, whether or not you meet more. There is no advantage to meeting additional criteria, and each criterion must be fully met to satisfy the requirement, with no partial credit given for incomplete fulfillment.

Criteria for Doctors and Medical Professionals to Focus On:

The most common O-1 A Visa criteria for doctors include authorship in respected medical journals, membership in prestigious medical organizations, and serving as a peer reviewer or evaluator. Doctors often publish research papers or book chapters. Additionally, belonging to exclusive medical associations that recognize significant achievements is a common qualification. Serving as a peer reviewer or judge in professional evaluations also demonstrates expertise in the medical field.
Less commonly, commanding a high salary compared to peers or receiving prestigious national or international awards can further strengthen an application. Demonstrating original medical contributions or having your work featured in major media outlets can also support the case, though these criteria tend to be more difficult to meet.
While the O-1 Visa recognizes exceptional doctors, many applicants fulfill at least three criteria through their professional accomplishments, making it a strong pathway to continue their medical careers in the U.S.

Application Process and Legal Support

Our team simplifies the visa application process by handling all documentation and ensuring all criteria are met, from petition preparation through to the USCIS approval. We also assist in securing necessary advisory opinions from peer groups or experts in your field.

Have you written scholarly articles?

To meet this criterion, a doctor must have authored articles published in reputable medical journals. These may include research from advanced medical degrees or clinical trials. While conference papers may count, peer-reviewed journal articles carry more weight. Authored medical textbooks or chapters can also qualify. It’s essential that the publications are recognized in the medical field and demonstrate the doctor’s expertise and contributions. [8 CFR § 214.2(o)(3)(iii)(B)(5)]

Are you an above-average salary?

A doctor must demonstrate that they earn a salary higher than most of their peers. This can be established by salary comparisons within their specialty using industry benchmarks. Documentation through contracts, pay stubs, or other financial records is necessary. This criterion reflects the doctor’s exceptional ability within the medical field. 8 CFR § 214.2(o)(3)(iii)(B)(9)

Are you a Member of a Prestigious Organization?

This criterion is fulfilled if the doctor is a member of an organization that requires significant professional achievements for admission. Membership should be based on peer recognition of contributions or expertise, not just educational credentials. Examples include medical boards or societies that evaluate members based on their professional accomplishments. Open-access organizations based solely on certification or education do not meet this standard. [8 CFR § 214.2(o)(3)(iii)(B)(2)]

Have you served as a Judge or Peer Reviewer?

Doctors can meet this criterion by serving as a peer reviewer for medical journals or by evaluating medical research grants or professional work. Reviewing manuscripts for recognized journals or serving on review boards shows expertise and standing within the medical community. Documentation of this role is essential, with at least two peer reviews being sufficient. 8 CFR § 214.2(o)(3)(iii)(B)(3)

Have you worked for a reputable organization?

For this criterion, the doctor must have held a critical or leading role in a reputable medical institution, such as a hospital or research facility. Examples include lead surgeon, department chair, or primary investigator in a major clinical trial. The organization must verify the importance of the doctor’s role. Administrative or assistant positions do not qualify. 8 CFR § 214.2(o)(3)(iii)(B)(8)

Have articles been written about you?

To meet this criterion, a doctor’s work must have been covered in professional or mainstream media, focusing on their achievements and contributions. Coverage must be from national or international sources, not local publications. Media features can include profiles in medical journals or interviews about groundbreaking work, which enhances the doctor’s reputation in the field. 8 CFR § 214.2(o)(3)(iii)(B)(6)

Have you received any important awards?

This criterion is met if a doctor has received nationally or internationally recognized awards for their work, such as medical innovation or excellence in patient care. These awards must be significant and reflect extraordinary contributions in the medical field, not routine grants or scholarships. 8 CFR § 214.2(o)(3)(iii)(B)(1)

Have you made Original Scientific Contributions of Major Significance?

This is one of the more challenging criteria for doctors to meet. It requires evidence that the doctor has made original contributions of major significance to the medical field. The contribution must be unique, valuable, and widely recognized by peers as a significant advancement. This often involves providing extensive documentation, such as patents, endorsements from industry experts, and proof that the innovation or contribution has been broadly adopted or implemented. USCIS carefully scrutinizes this criterion and frequently requires detailed testimonials from professionals who can attest to the importance of the contribution. 8 CFR § 214.2(o)(3)(iii)(B)(4). However, if you meet the threshhold for this criteria, you may also be eligible for an EB-1 Green Card, which offers a direct path to permanent residency in the U.S

Typical Medical Professions Eligible for O-1A Visa

The following are some of the most common medical professions that qualify for the O-1A Visa. While this list includes a majority of roles, it is not exhaustive, and other medical specialties may also be eligible based on extraordinary ability:

Anesthesiologist • Bariatric Surgeon • Biomechanics • Cardiologist • Cardiothoracic Surgeon • Cancer Surgeon • Clinician • Colorectal Surgeon • Dermatologist • Dentist • Electrophysiologist • Endocrinologist • Epidemiologist • Family Medicine Physician • Fertility Doctor • Gastroenterologist • Generalist • General Surgeon • Gynecologist • Hematologist • Infectious Disease Specialist • Internal Medicine Physician • Neonatologist • Neurologist • Neurosurgeon • Obstetrician • Oncologist • Ophthalmologist • Orthodontist • Orthopedic Surgeon • Otolaryngologist • Pain Management Specialist • Pediatrician • Pharmacologist • Plastic Surgeon • Psychiatrist • Pulmonologist • Radiologist • Reconstructive Surgeon • Rheumatologist • Surgeon • Urologist

Get Started on Your O-1A Visa Application Today

If you are ready to take your career to the next level anywhere in the United States, contact our experienced Los Angeles O-1 visa attorneys today. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the visa process and ensure your talents are recognized and rewarded in the U.S. Contact us today to practice your profession in the United States!

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Can I apply for an O1 visa if I am not in the United States?

Yes, you can apply from outside the United States. However, you must have a U.S. employer or agent sponsor your visa petition. The process involves submitting the necessary documentation to a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country.

Who can sponsor me?

The petitioner, or sponsor, for an O-1 visa can be: The employer of the O-1 visa beneficiary, a U.S. agent who represents the O-1 visa beneficiary, even if the beneficiary is self-employed or has multiple employers, and a foreign employer who authorizes a U.S. agent to act on their behalf.
The O-1 visa beneficiary cannot act as their own petitioner or sponsor – the petition must be filed by either the employer or a U.S. agent.
Hiring a qualified immigration attorney can help ensure the O-1 visa petition is filed correctly and has the best chance of approval, as the requirements can be complex

How long can I stay in the U.S. on an O-1 visa?

The initial period of stay on an O-1 visa is typically for the duration of the event or activity for which you were granted the visa, up to a maximum of three years. Extensions are possible in one-year increments, provided that the petitioner demonstrates the continued need for your services.

Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, you may be able to bring your spouse and children under 21 to the United States on O-3 visas as dependents. However, they will not be eligible to work in the U.S. They can accompany you for the duration of your O-1 visa stay. We offer free guidance on the process for our O1 Visa clients.