Physician Pathway Act (PPA)

Image of a doctor smiling, with her colleagues behind and out of focus.

The recently enacted Physician Pathway Act in Massachusetts is a groundbreaking law designed to address physician shortages in underserved communities. This legislation offers internationally trained physicians (ITPs) an alternative path to licensure, making it easier for them to practice medicine in the United States without having to complete a full U.S. residency program.     How Massa […]

J-1 Waivers

Massa Viana Law

Waiving the 2-year residence requirement The J-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to exchange visitors participating in programs promoting cultural exchange. Under INA §212(e), J-1 visa holders might be required to fulfill a two-year foreign residence requirement in their home country after their program in the U.S ends. A large proportion of physicians who […]

Physical Therapists and Professional Nurses

Massa Viana Law

Generally, employment-based petitions are subject to a test of the labor market, called the labor certification process, which certifies that a job will not displace U.S. workers. However, the Department of Labor has determined that a list of positions are exempt from this test as there is not a sufficient number of U.S. workers who […]

H1-B Physician

Massa Viana Law

The H-1B visa is a vital tool for foreign medical professionals looking to practice in the United States. This visa category is designed for temporary workers in specialized occupations, offering a unique pathway for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to contribute to the U.S. healthcare system. The H-1B visa permits professional-level employment in the U.S. for […]