FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES

The department preferentially fills its positions with graduates from United States and Canadian medical schools, but will consider applications from outstanding graduates of top-quality international medical schools.

Does the Department sponsor visas, if so which ones?
The Department sponsors J-1 visas via ECFMG. In certain circumstances, the Department will sponsor H-1B visas or will extend someone in H-1B status by assisting in transferring the visa. To qualify for H-1B status to perform clinical medicine, it is necessary to have passed USMLE Steps I,  II and III, hold a valid ECFMG certificate, and hold a full or limited Massachusetts Medical License. Graduates of U.S. and Canadian medical schools are exempt from the ECFMG requirement. Processing at the Department of Homeland Security varies and can take as long as six months. It is strongly recommended that applications for H-1B visas be submitted to the Partners International Office as soon as possible in advance of commencing residency training in order to reduce the likelihood of delay in starting the residency program.

What visa documents are required for International applicants?
J-1: Exchange Visitor (Clinical):
The ECFMG is authorized by the United States Immigration Agency (USIA) to sponsor foreign national physicians as exchange visitors in accredited programs for graduate medical education or training. ECFMG is the sole sponsor of J-1 physicians in clinical training programs in the United States. Foreign national physicians applying for ECFMG sponsorship must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a valid ECFMG certificate (note: graduates of LCME-accredited United States and Canadian medical schools are not required to be ECFMG certified, but must submit a certified, translated copy of their medical school diploma.)
• Hold a contract or an official letter of offer for a position in an accredited training program that is affiliated with a medical school.
• Provide a statement of need from the Ministry of Health of the country of nationality or last legal permanent residence. This statement must provide written assurance that the country needs specialists in the area in which the exchange visitor will receive training and that she/he will return to the country upon completion of training.

Processing time for sponsorship applications is generally 4 to 5 months. Application for renewal is recommended at least eight weeks prior to the expiration of the current DS2019 Form. J-1 visa holders may not participate in moonlighting or activities outside of their training program.

Do I need to have United States research/clinical experience?
No, but some clinical experience in the United States is very helpful for International Medical Graduates.

Do you require previous formal residency training in the United States?
No.

When do I need to take the Step II exam?
Massachusetts General Hospital requires successful completion of Step II (written and Clinical Skills Assessment) prior to starting residency. For this reason, we strongly encourage applicants to complete these examinations by December 31.

Which tests are required for licensure in Massachusetts?
Most physicians beginning residency training will obtain a Massachusetts Limited License. The Limited License is a training license that is valid only at the institution where the MD is located and is available for J-1 and H-1B applicants also. In order to qualify for the limited license, the applicant must have passed parts I and II of the USMLE. Applicants on an H-1B visa (including Canadian medical school graduates) must also have passed USMLE part III for the purpose of obtaining the visa. To qualify for a permanent Massachusetts license, physicians must also pass part III of the USMLE and have completed two years of clinical training in the United States. We will arrange licensing when an applicant has been accepted into the Program.

Do we have a minimum USMLE score?
No, we do not have a minimum requirement above the passing level, but the applicants who have been competitive usually have an average score of 85 or above in USMLE parts I and II.

Is there a limit to the number of USMLE exam attempts?
No, but once you take the first exam you have a limit of 7 years to complete all three.