Julie Morse and Robin Vermette from Orr & Reno’s Immigration Practice met with the staff of Senator Maggie Hassan on April 13. The discussion was about how the suspension of premium processing will greatly affect J-1 waiver physicians who need the H-1B to start their employment in the medically underserved areas of NH. Normal processing of an H-1B is currently more than seven months. The H-1B petition for J-1 physicians are usually filed in April, May and June for a start date on or about July 1. Without premium processing, the J-1 physician cannot start their H-1B employment in the medically underserved area. They cannot work, they cannot travel, and they cannot get their state driver’s license while the H-1B petition is pending. In addition to Senator Hasson’s office, our Immigration Team is also in contact with Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office.
