Berhampur: The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has sought External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s intervention in the growing challenges faced by Indian doctors seeking J-1 visas and visa renewals in the United States.
The organisation has warned that visa denials, prolonged administrative processing, and renewal delays are jeopardizing the careers of hundreds of young physicians and could also impact healthcare services in American hospitals.
In a letter to the External Affairs Minister, AAPI President Amit Chakrabarty who is an alumnus of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur in Odisha, highlighted concerns regarding Indian physicians who have successfully matched into accredited residency programmes in the United States through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) but are facing unexpected hurdles in obtaining or renewing their J-1 visas.
According to the letter, several physicians have already completed all mandatory examinations, secured residency placements, and fulfilled institutional requirements. However, many are reportedly encountering visa denials or lengthy administrative reviews that threaten their ability to begin or continue medical training in the United States. AAPI noted that these setbacks are creating uncertainty not only for the doctors concerned but also for the healthcare institutions that depend on them.
The association emphasised that residency training follows a strict timeline, and any delay in visa processing can result in trainees missing the start of their programmes, potentially disrupting their professional development and future careers. The organization further warned that interruptions in residency training could have broader implications for healthcare delivery, workforce continuity, and patient care in hospitals and medical centres across the United States.
AAPI, which represents thousands of physicians of Indian origin practicing in the United States, urged the Ministry of External Affairs to review the issue and address it through appropriate diplomatic and administrative channels. The organization stressed that timely intervention is essential to ensure that qualified Indian medical graduates are not prevented from pursuing advanced medical education and training opportunities abroad.
In the letter, Dr. Chakrabarty expressed confidence in the Indian government’s commitment to promoting educational and healthcare collaboration between India and the United States. He thanked the minister for his attention to the matter and sought support in resolving the difficulties faced by Indian medical professionals.
The appeal comes at a time when Indian-origin doctors constitute a significant segment of the U.S. healthcare workforce, particularly in residency and training programmes. Any disruption in the flow of qualified physicians could affect both the professional aspirations of young doctors and the functioning of healthcare institutions that rely on their services.
The issue is expected to draw attention from medical associations, policymakers, and healthcare administrators in both countries, as stakeholders seek solutions to ensure that deserving candidates can continue their medical education and contribute effectively to healthcare systems without unnecessary visa-related obstacles.
