Immigration Rules and Visas
For more detailed information please visit www.travel.state.gov
A significant number of Sudanese doctors who make it to the USA are either US citizens by virtue of birth, or gain the permanent residency or green card via the diversity visa lottery scheme. A smaller proportion enters via the J-1, and H-1b visas which we will discuss in this page. This is in contrast to IMGs of other nations who usually enter via J-1, H-1b visas.
J1 visa (Exchange Visitor Visa)
Advantages:
- More residency programs sponsor this kind of visa; hence trainee can apply to a larger number of programs.
- Doesn’t require taking the step 3 exam.
- Fellowship programs after Residency are more likely to sponsor J1 visa than H1b visa.
Disadvantages:
- Require statement of need from the Ministry of Health of the applicant’s citizenship or country of permanent residence.
- Must return to home country at the end of duration of training; other option would be to do a J1 waiver which would require working for 2-3+ years in underserved area.
- The provisions of the visa do not allow for conversion to green card status directly.
H1 b visa (Skilled worker by merit)
Advantages:
- Dual intent; i.e. you have the choice of applying for permanent residency in addition to returning home upon completion of residency..
- Direct Conversion to permanent residency by filing an immigration petition.
Disadvantages:
- Must pass step 3 exam, and get state license.
- Fewer programs sponsor H1 visa, hence more limited choice, and possibly more competition.
- Fewer fellowships sponsor H1b visa compared to J1 visa.