H1B Visa Denials/Delays for Incoming Physicians

[tromner.hammer]

Hey all,

I'm wondering who else among us has been affected by the H1B visa denials for incoming IMG physicians. It's getting super close to start date and orientation. Apparently about 1000 of us are affected. Just wondering if anyone has heard anything at all on this?

Feel free to DM if you don't want to post publicly.

Thanks.

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[Animalcules]

This is also happening for people transitioning into fellowship. “Buy American, Hire American” will cripple this country’s future.

 

[kvrn]

Same issue here. My spouse H1b still in process even one month after premium processing application.What status is your visa application in?

 

[tromner.hammer]

Same issue here. My spouse H1b still in process even one month after premium processing application.What status is your visa application in?

1.5 months after premium processing, denied. Apparently they are going to re-open the denials, but no movement so far

 

[kvrn]

Is the wage issue the cause of denial?

 

[tromner.hammer]

Is the wage issue the cause of denial?

Yes. :/

 

[kvrn]

Yes. :/

Hope it gets resolved for you.

 

[tromner.hammer]

Hope it gets resolved for you.

Thank you! same for you

 

[kvrn]

Thank you! same for you

Any updates? Are you in the US?

 

[tromner.hammer]

Any updates? Are you in the US?

No updates on my end - yours?

 

[kvrn]

No updates on my end - yours?

No.still waiting. Its excruciating

 

[tromner.hammer]

Yep, same

 

[hamstergang]

Is the wage issue the cause of denial?

For those of us not in the know, what does this mean?

 

[Raryn]

For those of us not in the know, what does this mean?

How Trump's Visa Crackdown Worsens The Doctor Shortage

 

[kvrn]

Received this from the program director today.

The AAMC is pleased to report that that the DHS Office of Academic Engagement has said they are working with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to get resolution for each of the remaining cases of medical residents applying for H-1B visas using AAMC prevailing wage data. We are hopeful that this resolution will allow medical residents to start programs on time without too much disruption.


It is our understanding that there will be no formal public announcement, but that clarifying guidance has been issued internally for USCIS staff conducting reviews. Pending petitions will be processed and allow the use of AAMC data for prevailing wage determination. Any program that received Requests For Evidence (RFE) regarding prevailing wage should respond indicating that clarifying guidance has been issued within USCIS and additional evidence is not necessary. We have also heard reports of approvals for applications that were previously denied without any new action from the petitioner.

 

[ElGuaje]

I am also affected. I'm a rising PGY2 and was on OPT for a year, my H1B application was completed last month and I got an RFE. So frustrating, I can't get back to work until this is resolved. It makes absolutely no sense what they are doing

 

[kvrn]

Will get sorted out soon.Please keep updating whats happening.I know I will

 

[kvrn]

Still no word on the visa application.

 

[kvrn]

Any updates?

 

[tromner.hammer]

Mine was approved late last week - there is hope. Still waiting for the papers, but at least it was approved! I'm sending good vibes for you all!

 

[kvrn]

Great!!!congrats

 

[ElGuaje]

got mine finally approved Friday but for only 1 year

 

[kvrn]

got mine finally approved Friday but for only 1 year

Congrats!

 

[kvrn]

got mine finally approved Friday but for only 1 year

What was your H1b petition receipt date? We haven't heard anything yet.

 

[kvrn]

approved, finally!!

 

[chalamilasidney]

any other updates? If it's approved for 1 year, do you have to pay for the application for renewal? who is paying the fees, the university or hospital or you? can you transition to a green card during residency?

Has anyone worked as a resident and research assistant simultaneously?

 

[Animalcules]

Hopefully your university pays but they should have requested an H1B for 3 years. No, you cannot have 2 jobs nor is it feasible. Yes, you could transition to a green card of you meet requirements, but that is a lengthy process.

 

[NotAProgDirector]

In general, you cannot transition from an H1b to a GC while in a residency. Usually, you have to have a "permanent" job to do so. Most people complete their residency on an H1b, and then apply for a GC when they get their first job.

 

[Nistelrooy]

I am also affected. I'm a rising PGY2 and was on OPT for a year, my H1B application was completed last month and I got an RFE. So frustrating, I can't get back to work until this is resolved. It makes absolutely no sense what they are doing

Hi,
kinda in the same boat as you, was your H1b finally approved?