At University of Vermont Health (UVM Health), sponsoring visas for incoming physicians isn’t an exception — it’s a long‑standing and essential part of how we recruit and retain top clinical talent. In an era when physician shortages continue to intensify, visa sponsorship allows us to fill critical vacancies that might otherwise remain open for months or even years.

The need is real. According to new projections from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the United States may face a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. Healthcare organizations across the country are competing for a limited pool of providers, and the challenges are not expected to ease anytime soon. By offering visa sponsorship, UVM Health expands its reach, attracts exceptional international physicians, and positions itself as one of the relatively small number of systems willing and able to support these candidates.

A Rural Academic Health System With a Broad Mission

UVM Health is a rural academic health system with more than a century of service to communities across Vermont and northern New York. Our network includes:

• An academic medical center

• Five community hospitals

• A children’s hospital

• More than 250 outpatient sites

• A multi‑specialty physician group

• Home health and hospice services

• Four skilled nursing facilities

• A wide range of additional support services

Our mission is simple: deliver coordinated, high‑quality care as close to home as possible. Recruiting talented physicians — including those requiring visa sponsorship — is central to that mission. Our organization is of particular interest to Canadian physicians given our close proximity to the Canadian border.

Supporting Physicians Through the Full Visa Lifecycle

UVM Health sponsors a variety of visa types, including J‑1 visa waivers, H‑1B visas, and O‑1 visas. We also recognize that most physicians seeking sponsorship ultimately aim to obtain permanent residency. For that reason, we support the full visa lifecycle, including the green card process.

Before sponsorship is considered, candidates must be board‑eligible or board‑certified through the American Board of Medical Specialties or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and they must meet eligibility requirements for licensure in Vermont and/or New York.

Expert Legal Guidance for a Complex Process

Immigration law is complex and constantly evolving. To ensure our physicians receive accurate guidance and strong representation, UVM Health partners with a reputable immigration law firm. Every candidate requiring sponsorship is offered a virtual consultation to review the process, ask questions, and understand their options. This support helps reduce uncertainty and gives physicians confidence that they have experienced experts advocating for them.

J‑1 Visa Waivers: Expanded Opportunities in New York and Vermont

UVM Health can potentially sponsor J‑1 visa waivers across all six of its New York and Vermont locations. Our New York sites benefit from inclusion in the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), which offers unlimited J‑1 waivers and a rolling application timeline — a rare advantage available in only a few regions nationwide.

In Vermont, waivers are processed through the state’s Conrad 30 program, which is competitive and has a defined annual application window.

H‑1B Visas: The Most Common Path

H‑1B visas are the most frequently sponsored visa type at UVM Health. For physicians who have passed all three steps of the USMLE, the H‑1B is often the most straightforward route. However, a new federal filing fee of $100,000 has created significant financial strain for healthcare organizations already navigating rising labor costs, reimbursement challenges, and inflationary pressures.

While organizations may request an exemption, decisions are unpredictable and timelines unclear. UVM Health has made the strategic decision to cover the $100,000 fee when sponsoring an H‑1B for a selected candidate. This commitment allows the immigration process to move forward without delay and ensures we can recruit the physicians our communities urgently need.

"Physicians that have trained outside the U.S. have played an integral role in providing high quality care for patients served by UVM Health for many years, contributing to both the diversity of training and thought as well as of our workforce itself.  Strategic, targeted recruitment of top talent from our global partners is critical for patient care and establishment of UVMH as a national leader in rural academic medicine." – Ramsey Herrington, MD, President & CEO, UVM Health Medical Group

O‑1 Visas: An Option for Exceptional Talent

O‑1 visas, while less common, are a valuable alternative when an H‑1B is not feasible. These visas are reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability, typically demonstrated through academic achievements, publications, presentations, unique clinical skills, or leadership roles.

Strengthening Our Workforce and Our Communities

Over the years, UVM Health has sponsored countless visas to secure physicians for hard‑to‑fill roles. These providers play a vital role in:

• Expanding patient access

• Supporting financial stability

• Reducing staff burnout and turnover

• Enhancing cultural and professional diversity

“As a Canadian physician starting work at UVM Health–CVPH, the recruitment and visa process were exceptionally smooth. I am grateful for the strong institutional support that enabled me to transition efficiently and deliver care where it is most needed.” – Reza Ojaghi, MD, Orthopedic Surgery, UVM Health.

If you are a physician seeking visa sponsorship — or you know someone who is — we encourage you to explore opportunities at UVM Health. Across our network of affiliates, we offer a wide range of roles where you can grow your career, contribute to innovative care, and make a meaningful impact in one of the most beautiful regions of the country.

Join us as we advance healthcare, support our communities, and care for one another.