What are the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a hardship waiver instead of an IGA waiver?
A. The advantages of pursuing a hardship waiver are that, if approved, the physician may immediately apply for permanent residence (if there is a qualifying family relationship or an employer willing to sponsor the physician) rather than spending three years in H-I B status before filing for permanent residence. In addition, the physician is not limited to working in medically underserved areas, but may accept employment anywhere.
