Guidelines for Appointment of Foreign Medical Graduates
ECFMG Certificate
The primary requirement for the appointment of foreign medical graduates to housestaff positions is possession of a valid ECFMG certificate. The ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) is authorized by the U.S. Information Agency to sponsor foreign medical graduates in U.S. graduate medical education training programs. It is their responsibility to assure institutions that foreign medical graduates have medical knowledge and english language skills comparable to U.S. medical graduates. A Standard Certificate is issued to foreign medical graduates by the ECFMG upon fulfillment of certain credentials requirements and the successful completion of both medical (USMLE) and english tests. In reviewing an applicant's credentials for appointment, the following should be noted regarding the ECFMG Certificate:
Verify that the expiration date of the English Test is valid. Upon initial certification, the English Test remains valid for two years. During that time, if the foreign medical graduate secures a U.S. position, the ECFMG will re-issue the certificate as Valid Indefinitely. Therefore, check the date to insure that it is or will be valid beyond the desired appointment date.
New certificates often take up to two months to be printed. In lieu of a certificate, the ECFMG will provide a letter to the foreign medical graduate. In this case, make certain that the letter states that all requirements have been met and that the certificate will be issued.
Visa Requirements
The ECFMG and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) have indicated that the J-1 visa is most appropriate for foreign medical graduates entering the U.S. for the purpose of receiving post-graduate medical training. The ECFMG serves as the sponsor for clinical trainees in medical specialties and, upon approval of the application, issues an IAP-66 or Approval for Sponsorship form. This form must be approved by Immigration and Naturalization for the J-1 visa to be valid.
To apply for an initial J-1 visa, the application must be submitted to the ECFMG at least three months prior to the appointment start date. Upon the acceptance of a foreign medical graduate for a residency/fellowship position, the program director should provide the applicant's name and address to the Graduate Medical Education Office. The GMEO will provide him/her with an application packet and secure institutional/program documents to acquire ECFMG sponsorship.
J-1 visas must be renewed annually. The renewal process will be coordinated with the program and the applicant by the Graduate Medical Education Office.
Under certain limited circumstances, foreign medical graduates may obtain H1-B visas for the purpose of completing graduate medical education training programs. Basic requirements for the H1B include completion of USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3 and a medical license. In order to obtain a license, the applicant must have a social security number. For further information on the appropriate use and application procedures for H1-B visas, departments should contact the International Studies Office at 982-3016.
Helpful Links
• ECMFG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)
• UVa International Studies Office
• U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Program