Physicians and Medical Students

Clinical Rotations – Elective Clerkships for B-1 Entry in the US

Placement in a US hospital by foreign students outside the US to complete their third year clerkships is dependent on whether they will be approved for Visa to enter the US.

General Requirements :

• A medical student of a university school of medicine that has been approved by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) board in the United States to allow its students to sit for the USMLE board examinations.
• A medical student that has not yet graduated from a recognized university school of medicine.
• A written offer of a clinical rotation or clerkship from a recognized US hospital.
• Citizens of Visa Waiver countries may apply at a US port of entry.
• Citizens of Non Visa Waiver countries must apply at a US Embassy or Consulate.
• Must be granted B-1 Business Visitor Entry for purposes of the Clinical Rotation or Elective Clerkship.

FOREIGN MEDICAL GRADUATES

Cross Border Management is the exclusive immigration consulting firm of several medical schools affiliated with prominent US medical teaching hospitals.   We have the experience and the know how to assist any foreign medical student or medical graduate through the U.S. immigration process.

J-1 Foreign Exchange Program for Residency Training

The best option for Residency is to avoid entering into a J-1 residency.   The key is to locate teaching hospitals that will allow H-1B visas for the residency programs.

General Requirements for J-1 Residency :

• A medical graduate of a university school of medicine that has been approved by the Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) board in the United States to allow its students to sit for the USMLE board examinations.
• A written contract or agreement from an accredited US medical school, an affiliated hospital or a scientific institution to provide the training.
• Have competency in oral and written in English
• Have passed either Parts I and II of the USMLE
• Have an ECFMG certificate.
• Note:   The medical facility will prepare the necessary paperwork for the Foreign Medical Graduate to receive the J-1 Visa.   Once the residency is completed, Cross Border Management Inc. can assist with the J-1 Waiver and the H-1B petition process; however, the Waiver process may only take place years later after completion of the residency.

J-1 Visa Limitation

• There is a time limitation on the length of training permitted.   The limit is 7-years.
• Imposition of a 2-year home country physical presence requirement with limited options for waiver of this requirement.

J-I Waiver General Requirements

• Note:   A Foreign Medical Graduate may obtain a waiver if supported by State or Federal interest to facilitate the physician's employment in a designated underserved area.
• There are specific and different procedures for State and for Federal agency supported waivers.
• There must be a 3-year commitment given by contract between the Foreign Medical Graduate and the health care facility that has demonstrated it is a designated shortage area by the Health and Human Services.

H-1B Residency General Requirements

• Proof of graduation from medical school or possession of a full and unrestricted license to practice medicine in a foreign state/province/country.
• Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certificate.
• Proof of Pass results in the Part 1, 2, and 3, of the USMLE.
• License to practice in the state where you will be working.   Each state has a different license requirement for medical residents.
• A Job offer from a recognized facility willing to support the H-1B petition.