For international medical technologists aspiring to kickstart their careers in the United States, understanding the intricacies of visa options is crucial. The EB-3 and H-1B visas are viable routes to U.S. employment for medical technologists who choose to work with Conexus MedStaff. However, the choice between the two options hinges on various factors, including processing times, eligibility criteria, and the current landscape of immigration policies. In this article, we explore the differences between the two visas, including which option is the fastest route to working in the U.S.
H-1B visa lottery: the fastest route for chosen applicants
The H-1B visa is a popular choice for many skilled foreign workers, including international medical technologists. It offers both pros and cons; while it is undoubtedly the fastest pathway to working in the U.S., it is not a guaranteed route as applicants are chosen through a lottery. This is because the H-1B visa program has an annual cap of selected applicants and the demand often exceeds the available slots, resulting in a random selection process.
Successful applicants that are selected in the H-1B visa lottery enjoy a fast-tracked immigration process. As the recipient of an H-1B visa, medical technologists may even be able to start their career journey within months of being selected.
Conexus MedStaff will enter all ASCPi-certified medical technologists who wish to try for the H-1B visa into the yearly lottery, while also pursuing an EB-3 visa that grants permanent residency in the U.S.
EB-3 visa: a steady journey to permanent U.S. residency
Like the H-1B visa, the EB-3 visa has an annual cap of around 40,000 visas. There is, however, no lottery system.This offers a more predictable and stable path to U.S. employment.
Processing times for EB-3 visas can vary, and may even take several years to obtain. This provides plenty of opportunity to prepare for the future move. While the overall timeline is generally longer than non-immigrant visas like H-1B, the EB-3 route provides a direct line to permanent residency, offering a sense of security and long-term stability for international medical technologists seeking to establish a career in the U.S. with Conexus MedStaff.
One consideration to bear in mind with EB-3 visas however is retrogression. Read more about retrogression here.
Choosing the right path
Ultimately, the choice between the EB-3 visa and H-1B lottery depends on individual circumstances and career aspirations. Both offer pathways to U.S. employment, and each comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. As the landscape of immigration policies continues to evolve, aspiring medical technologists must assess their priorities and make informed decisions that align with their career goals and long-term plans.
Conexus MedStaff has experts in immigration, relocation and more, who can provide insights and advice to help you make an informed decision based on your future plans of establishing a life in the U.S.
Are you an international medical technologistlooking to start a new career in the U.S.? Apply now to find out how we can help.
