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J-1 ECFMG

An International Medical Graduate (IMG) is a physician who received his/her basic medical degree or qualification from a medical school located outside the United States and Canada. (U.S. citizens who are IMG’s do not require visa sponsorship but do require an ECFMG certificate).  

If you are an IMG in J-1 status, your program sponsor is ECFMG. ECFMG sponsors IMG’s for the J-1 visa (Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program) to participate in graduate medical education programs in the U.S. 

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification assesses whether international medical graduates are ready to enter U.S. graduate medical education programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). ECFMG certification assures that international medical graduates have met minimum standards of eligibility. 

ECFMG is authorized by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor foreign national physicians for the J-1 exchange visitor visa. ECFMG is responsible for ensuring that exchange visitors and their host institutions meet the federal requirements for participation in the exchange visitor program. 

As an IMG you must make sure to read all communication from ECFMG and pay careful attention to their requirements and policies. Failure to do so could result in loss of your J-1 sponsorship. Make sure to familiarize yourself with the ECFMG website, where you can find not only these reminders, but also resources that can assist you with your stay in the U.S. 

Types of ECFMG Visas

There are two types of ECFMG visa sponsorships:

  • Initial ECFMG sponsorship: The prospective trainee has never held an ECFMG J-1 visa before and is asking to be issued the ECFMG status for the first time.
  • Continuation of ECFMG sponsorship: The prospective trainee already holds an ECFMG J-1 visa for another U.S. training program and is asking for an extension of time to complete the program.

The J-1 exchange visitor visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa reserved for educational training purposes.

ECFMG Requirements

To receive graduate clinical training at UT Southwestern, you must:

  • Be ECFMG-certified and
  • Have a J-1 visa sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

To initiate the ECFMG J-1 visa process, UT Southwestern’s Office of International Affairs requires three items:

  • Completed ECFMG J-1 department application
  • Copy of the contract letter printed on letterhead and signed by the program director and you. This letter must contain:
    • Official name of clinical training program
    • Duration of residency or fellowship program
    • Your postgraduate year (PGY) level
    • Annual salary or stipend
    • Start date of training and end date of training
  • Copy of your CV

The 212(e) Requirement

All J-1 physicians sponsored by ECFMG for clinical training are subject to the two-year home country physical presence requirement. This requirement comes from section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The 212(e) requires that you and accompanying J-2 dependents reside in the home country for an aggregate of at least two years before being eligible for certain changes or adjustments in visa status in the United States.

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