Navigating the journey to a healthcare career in the United States comes with a lot of questions. From immigration timelines to testing requirements, it is natural to want clarity about the process and what comes next.
At MedPro International, our U.S. Advancement Guide Team is here to support Explorers every step of the way. While every journey is unique, there are a few questions that come up time and time again.
Here are five of the most frequently asked questions from Explorers.
- How Long Does It Take for My I-140 to Be Approved?
One of the most common questions we receive is about I-140 processing times.
Currently, the estimated processing time for an I-140 petition is approximately 23 months. However, processing times can vary depending on USCIS workload and the number of petitions being reviewed at any given time.
While some cases may be approved sooner, it is important to remember that timelines are ultimately determined by USCIS. Staying patient and remaining engaged throughout the process can help make the waiting period more manageable.
- When Should I Take My IELTS Exam?
Timing is important when it comes to English language proficiency testing.
At MedPro, Explorers typically complete their IELTS examination after their I-140 has been approved and when their priority date is current or approaching current status.
Taking the exam too early can result in your scores expiring before they are needed for important milestones later in the process. Your U.S. Advancement Guide can help you determine the best timing based on your individual situation.
- Do I Only Need a Valid IELTS Score for VisaScreen?
No.
A valid IELTS score is required for more than just the VisaScreen process. It is also needed for licensure endorsement during the placement process.
Because your English language proficiency score plays a role in multiple stages of your journey, it is important to ensure that your results remain valid when needed. This is one reason why careful planning around testing timelines is so important.
- Does MedPro Cover Fee Bills for My Dependents?
No.
Explorers are responsible for covering all fee bills and expenses related to their dependents.
It is important to plan ahead and ensure these fees are paid by the required deadlines. If dependent fee bills are not paid on time, dependents will automatically be changed to follow-to-join filing status and processed separately at a later stage.
Understanding these responsibilities early can help avoid unexpected delays during the immigration process.
- What Is My Priority Date?
Your priority date is one of the most important milestones in your immigration journey.
Simply put, it is the date your employment-based green card process officially began.
For cases that require a PERM labor certification, the priority date is the date the PERM application was filed. For cases that do not require a PERM, the priority date is the date the I-140 petition was filed.
You can easily find your priority date in MPX+ by viewing your immigration case details.
We’re Here to Help
Every healthcare professional’s journey is unique, and it is completely normal to have questions along the way.
Whether you are waiting for an approval, preparing for an exam, or trying to better understand the immigration process, your U.S. Advancement Guide is here to provide support and guidance.
At MedPro International, our goal is to help you stay informed, prepared, and confident throughout every stage of your journey to the United States.
Because when you have the right information and the right support, every step forward becomes a little easier.