Immigration and Visa Options for Veterinarians to Work in the U.S.

Are you a veterinarian looking to immigrate to the U.S.? Given our extensive experience with immigration for veterinarians, prospective clients often ask us about immigrating to the U.S. as a veterinarian. There is a shortage of veterinarians in the U.S., especially in certain areas, and as animal lovers, we welcome talented vet med professionals to enter (or remain in) the U.S. to work and live.

Visa Options for Veterinarians in the U.S.

There are several possible immigration options for veterinarians, including both shorter-term and longer-term options. Various different types of visa classifications (nonimmigrant visas) may be an option for foreign-educated veterinarians or other vet med professionals looking to work in the U.S. Almost all visa classifications require that a U.S. employer sponsor the veterinarian for a visa. These visa classifications include:

H-1B Visa for Veterinarians: Professional Pathway to the U.S.: The H-1B visa is for professionals, meaning for a position that requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a specific field of study. Veterinarians qualify for the H-1B classification, as the profession clearly meets this degree requirement. Other veterinarian professions may also qualify for the H-1B classification, if the position requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) in a specific field of study. For example, we have filed H-1B petitions for operations managers of animal hospitals (or organizations that own and operate multiple animal hospitals). We have also filed for medical directors of animal hospitals, and it is possible that a veterinary technologist may qualify. There are other vet med professions, such as vet tech (technician) that do not typically require a bachelor's degree, and therefore would not qualify for the H-1B classification. There is a limited number of new H-1Bs available every year, and USCIS conducts a lottery each year. Some employers, such as institutions of higher education and certain nonprofit organizations are cap-exempt, and are not subject to this lottery.

H-1B1 Visa: Special Visa for Veterinarians from Chile and Singapore: The H-1B1 visa is similar to the H-1B in that it is for professional positions that require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a specific field of study. However, the H-1B1 is specifically for nationals of Chile and Singapore. While there is a limit on the number of H-1B1s available each year, that quota is rarely if ever met. The process for applying for the H-1B1 can also be different from the H-1B. It is possibly to apply directly at the U.S. consulate overseas, rather than having to file a petition with USCIS first.

E-3 Visa: U.S. Work Opportunities for Australian Veterinarians: Like the H-1B1, the E-3 visa is also similar to the H-1B in that it is for professional positions. The E-3 is for citizens of Australia. There is also a limit on the new of new E-3 visas each year, and that limit is also rarely, if ever, met.

TN Visa: Veterinary Careers for Mexican and Canadian Citizens: The TN classification is for citizens of Mexico and Canada. There is a specific list of occupations eligible for the TN classification, and that includes veterinarians. Immigration for veterinarians under the TN visa allows Canadian citizens to apply for the TN directly at the port of entry, while Mexican citizens must obtain a TN visa at the U.S. consulate in Mexico before entering the U.S. in TN status. As with other visa classifications mentioned here, it is possible to change employers while on TN status. For the TN, it is possible to do so either by filing a new petition with USCIS, or by applying for a new TN at the port of entry (or consulate). There is no limit on the number of TNs issued annually.

O-1 Visa: For Veterinarians of Extraordinary Ability: The O-1 visa classification is for foreign nationals of extraordinary ability. In general, to qualify for the O-1 Extraordinary Ability category, the person seeking O-1 status (the beneficiary) must be able to show “sustained national or international acclaim” in the fields of sciences, education, business, or athletics (O-1A). An O-1 beneficiary must show recognition of achievement in the field through extensive documentation. This classification is not appropriate for all veterinarians, but it could be an option for those who are able to document extraordinary ability in their field, including veterinary medicine researchers.

F-1 Visa: Transitioning from Student to Professional Veterinarian in the U.S.: The F-1 visa is for foreign national students studying in the U.S. While the F-1 visa classification is not designed to allow a person to work in the U.S., it can lead to employment authorization options. For example, when an F-1 foreign national student completes their degree, they are eligible for OPT (optional practical training), which allows them to work in a position related to their degree for up to 12 months. In addition, if the student's field of study qualifies, the student may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension, which provides for up to another 24 months of OPT. The F-1 student will often transition from OPT or STEM OPT to another visa classification, such as the H-1B, to be able to continue living and working in the U.S.

E-2 Visa: Entrepreneurial Pathway for Veterinarian: The E-2 visa could be a potential option for entrepreneurial veterinarians. The E-2 is an investment visa, and there must be a treaty between the U.S. and the E-2 visa holder's country. The E-2 visa can be used for owners, as well as for managers or essential employees, assuming certain requirements are met. This classification is not used as commonly for vet med professionals, but it could be an option in the right circumstances.

U.S. Green Card Options for Veterinarians

Many veterinarian medicine professionals begin working in the U.S. in one of these visa classifications, and then later obtain permanent residence (a green card) in the U.S. Alternatively, it is possible for an animal hospital to sponsor a veterinarian professional for a green card directly. The green card options for veterinarians and related professionals include:

PERM Labor Certification (EB-2 Visa or EB-3 Visa): This refers to the employment-based green card process in which an employer sponsors an employee or prospective (future) employee for permanent residence in the U.S. This strategy is often combined with one of the nonimmigrant (temporary) visa options outlined above.

EB-1A and National Interest Waiver: Advanced Immigration Options for Veterinarians: The EB-1A green card classification is for foreign nationals of extraordinary ability. Similar to the O-1 visa outlined above, the EB-1A beneficiary must show that they have sustained national or international acclaim, by documenting that they meet several different regulatory criteria. The National Interest Waiver requires that the beneficiary show that their project or proposed endeavor is in the national interest of the U.S., and that they are well-positioned to execute their proposed endeavor, among other requirements. While veterinary medicine is of course important, not every vet med professional will qualify for these classifications as they have very specific and nuanced requirements.

In summary, there are several different possible options for a foreign veterinary medicine professional to work in the U.S. It's also important to keep in mind that in addition to immigration requirements, veterinarians and certain other vet med professionals must meet licensure requirements. This typically includes passing the NAVLE and either graduating from an AVMA-accredited DVM program or completing the ECFVG or PAVE, with a DVM-equivalent degree.

If you are considering immigrating to the U.S. as a veterinarian, contact us today for expert guidance on finding the best visa option for your unique situation, please contact us today and set up your initial consultation to get the immigration for veterinarians process started! Within the vet med industry, we work with individual veterinarian, animal hospitals, and veterinary consolidators. You can set an appointment online. You can also call us at 804-396-3412 or send us an email at info@sumnerimmigration.com. We are immigration lawyers in Richmond, VA but we serve clients throughout the U.S. and around the world. For more information on our firm visit Who We Are and What Makes Us Different! We look forward to hearing from you!