J-1 Clinical Visa Contact GME/Breanna Stoll with visa questions

J-1 “Clinical” Visa Highlights

J-1 CLINICAL Visa (not research or any other category) ECFMG Certificate for International Medical Graduates

(IMGs)o Includes U.S. Citizens who attended International Medical Schoolo Must pass USMLE Steps 1, 2CK, and 2CS (Step 3 if PGY 3 or above)

Statement of Need (SON)o Applicant obtains from Home Country’s Ministry of Health (lengthy

process) 7 year maximum & 2 year home stay

o ECFMG will not sponsor if joining program beyond 7 years unless apply for & receive extension (lengthy process – not guaranteed)

Non-Accredited programs:o ABMS member board recognition letter if not on ECFMG approved listo GME Committee approval required

Program name on SON, contract, and fellowship program description must match name on ECFMG’s site

Questions to Ask your J-1 Applicants

(BEFORE they match or are offered a position) Are you ECFMG certified?

o If not, when do you plan to obtain certification? • It takes a minimum of 1.5 years to obtain certification

o Have you completed USMLEs Steps 1, 2CK, and 2CS?• If PGY 3 or above, also need Step 3

o Did you graduate from a medical school listed on the ECFMG approved website: https://imed.faimer.org/?

Are you currently on or have you ever been sponsored on a J-1?o If yes, which category (clinical, research)?

• If research, verify w/GME that applicant qualifies to switch to clinicalo If on J-1 clinical, how many years have you been on the J-1? o Contact GME if applicant will exceed7 yrs if he/she joins your

program• Verify qualification to request an extension (lengthy process – not

guaranteed).

The Facts Approx. 35 J-1 residents/fellows For each J-1, we interact with at least 12

entities/programs The Process

The Steps Interview applicants Make an Offer Issue Contract (ASAP)

o Give signed contract to GME as it is need for the SON

Applicanto Requests SONo Submits CVo Submits copies of passport(s)o Pays visa application feeso If continuing J-1 from another location, submit I-644 & I-94o Submits Statement of Educational Objectives

If Fellowship, program creates description that meets ECFMG requirements

Non-accredited programso Request ABMS member board recognition lettero Request GME Committee Approval (must provide description, curriculum,

funding) Breanna does the rest!

Questions?Call Breanna (1-2401) with any visa questions