Delays in visa program threaten placement of hundreds of doctors in underserved areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors completing training in the U.S. may have to leave if their visa waiver applications aren't processed quickly. The doctors agreed to work in underserved areas for at least three years in exchange for the waiver.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' visa waiver program for foreign doctors is facing significant delays. Hundreds of doctors are at risk of having to leave the country if their applications aren't processed by July 30. The doctors, who completed medical training in the U.S., agreed to work in underserved areas for at least three years. If they leave, their employers would have to pay a $100,000 fee for an H-1B work visa, a cost many rural hospitals and clinics can't afford. The Department of Health and Human Services said it is implementing process improvements to prevent future delays and is working to evaluate remaining applications. The delay has left doctors and employers uncertain about the future of the program.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.