California Visa

If you are considering working in the US, as a health care professional, California may be the place to start. Along with many excellent schools to help you complete U.S. certification in your field (if required), California also has some special programs that make it the place for foreign health care professional to get started.
To put it simply, there is a shortage of medical practitioners in California. If you are a GP, FP, gynecologists, pediatrician, or psychiatrist, you may qualify for the California J-1 exemption. This program was put into place to help fill medical positions within the state.
The key to getting your start in the U.S., with this program, is to understand what the program is, and what's required from you to start.
What Is A J-1 Visa?
A J-1 visa is actually a program that started to encourage foreign nationals to participate in U.S. education and share knowledge and skills in art, science, and education. In recent amendments to the program, it now allows for qualified doctors to enter the country and work in under served areas (such as California). If you are looking to find work in the U.S. this may be the program for you.
Where Am I Permitted To Work If I Have A J-1 Visa?
In California there are 30 applicants to this program allowed into the country to work each year. As a professional working with a J-1 Visa you can expect the following.
1. A contract of at least 3 years work, with work of at least 40 hours per week is required to qualify for this program.
2. Workers with a J-1 visa must be paid a salary similar to that of any other care-giver in their specific field.
3. When you work with a J-1 visa you must be employed in an under served area of the state (lacking in medical professionals). Currently there are 376 under served areas in the State of California.
4. When your work program is completed you may apply for a NIW (national interest waiver) that allows you to continue your work in the U.S.
How Do I Obtain A J-1 Visa?
To obtain a visa to work in California, as a physician, you must first find suitable employment. There are many positions in CA that accept J-1 waiver applicants.
Once you have obtained work, you will be required to work with your employer to fulfill the California Department of Health Services application requirements. There are only 30 positions to be filled each year, and applications run from Sept 01 thru to Oct 30 each year.
If you are considering starting your career in the US with this program it is suggested that you apply as early as you can. This will ensure that you get your application in and can begin your career in California.