There are many visa options available to individuals who are looking to relocate and work in America.
The process:
After obtaining approval from the AVMA/ECFVG, you’re next step will be to apply for the appropriate visa to legally work in the USA.
There are a number of different visa options, however the most commonly used for veterinary professionals are:
EB-2 Visa
The EB-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa reserved for individuals with exceptional ability in a particular field. To qualify for an EB-2 visa, foreign veterinarians must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited institution in the United States or abroad.
- Have at least two years of full-time experience in clinical practice, research, or teaching in veterinary medicine.
- Demonstrate exceptional ability in veterinary medicine through a combination of factors, such as publications, awards, presentations, or a high score on the Veterinary Aptitude Test (VAT).
If granted an EB-2 visa, the foreign veterinarian will be able to work permanently in the United States.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa for foreign workers in specialty occupations.
To qualify for the H-1B visa, veterinary professionals must meet the following:
- Have a job offer from a U.S. veterinary practice, research institution, or teaching institution.
- Meet the educational requirements by holding a Bachelors degree or higher.
- Hold a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree from an accredited institution in the United States or abroad.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa that allows foreign veterinarians to work in the United States for a specific period of time. J-1 visas are typically issued for one or two years, but they can be renewed for an additional year. To qualify for a J-1 visa, foreign veterinarians must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a DVM degree from an accredited institution.
- Have a job offer from a U.S. veterinary practice, research institution, or teaching institution.
- Have a sponsor in the United States who will oversee their participation in the J-1 program.
J-1 visa holders are not eligible to become permanent residents of the United States, but they can apply for a green card after they have worked in the United States for a certain number of years.
Moving States in America:
With an AVMA-accredited qualification, graduates are eligible to take the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) test, which allows a vet to work in the US and Canada.
If you are looking to move from one state to another, you will need a state veterinary license for each state in which you will practice veterinary medicine – this is in addition to your veterinary degree or educational equivalency certificate.
Want to find out more:
Are you interested in exploring a move to America? Reach out to our team on 0333 014 7374 or email thomas@vetseekers.com
