J-1 Clinical Visa and Limited Medical License Dale Parechanian-MGH Joanna Hazell-BWH
J-1 Visa Agenda Requirements Programs Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Roles & Responsibilities Checklist Timelines
J-1 Visa Requirements All Foreign Medical Graduates in need of a J-1 clinical visa must be ECFMG certified (USMLE steps 1, 2CS & 2CK and certified by ECFMG) Canadian Medical School Graduates must pass LMCC or other US equivalent exams Important to Note: J-1 Visa Applicants under no circumstances are permitted to moonlight, bill or work with an attending level appointment. Sponsorship cannot exceed 7 years without special appeals to the US department of State. Continuation of sponsorship must show progression in training and match up with educational objectives
Program Types ACGME Accredited Vs. Non-Accredited The list of ACGME approved programs for each institution can be found on your hospitals GME website or http://www.acgme.org Non-ACGME approved programs MUST be on the list of programs reviewed and approved by Partners GME office. All Non-Accredited training programs must be on ECFMG s list of ABMS recognized non-standard programs. If not, an ABMS member Board recognition letter must be requested by the program. The TPL will advise if/when this is needed.
Roles and Responsibilities TPL Training Program Liaison A designated TPL streamlines communication between the training program, J-1 physician, and ECFMG. ECFMG issues a DS2019 for J-1 sponsorship which is sent to the TPL. MGH Dale Parechanian BWH Adam Cutler
Program Director Develop Program Description Work with GME to maintain ACGME accreditation or non-standard approval. Programs should not be tailored to one individual applicant s needs. Understand GME policies for USMLE completion. (Full list of responsibilities is available)
Program Coordinator Notify TPL of new J-1 applicants and continuations 6 months in advance Provide details required to initiate J-1 Work with Credentialing Department to ensure hospital credentialing requirements are met and timing with hospital boards / start dates are appropriate.
TPL Notification Requirements Full LEGAL name (how it appears on passport) Current mailing address, phone and email Graduate of Medical School in U.S., Canada or Puerto Rico? Program Year (PGY Level) and Salary Anticipated training dates Current CV Program Name Accredited Yes? or No? Program Director Name and signed program description Full list per institution hand-out
Timeline ECFMG can take about 6 8 weeks to process complete applications. J-1 sponsorship is valid for 1 year. Program continuations must be renewed annually through the TPL notification process.
Limited License Agenda Initial limited license Change of Program Renewals Timeline
Initial Limited Medical License Applications should not be downloaded directly from the Boards website Notify TPL and credentialing as soon as an offer is made / accepted TPL will send packet to applicant with complete instructions for application completion. Applicants should not contact Board Directly Certificates are issued and sent to the TPL and forwarded to PIO and department
Limited License Requirements USMLE Steps 1, 2CS and 2CK International Medical Graduates must be ECFMG certified. http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/provider/licensing/o ccupational/physicans/licensing/licensing-feesand-general-information.html
Change of Program Applicants currently licensed at another MA hospital or in another program require a change of program application. Internal program changes are completed online through the Board s OLR system Applicants from another MA hospital must complete a paper Change of Program application Contact licensing coordinator with applicant information
Limited License Renewals Limited Licenses must be renewed annually through the Board s OLR system The Board has activated the online renewal process. Program Coordinators will receive instructions from license coordinator. Program coordinators should notify the licensing coordinator who is renewing, changing programs, leaving / graduating or applying for a full medical license.
Timeline The Board can take 4 6 weeks to review and approve complete initial applications. Renewals take only one business day through the online system (*program extensions, application issues may take longer) Change of Programs must be approved at a Board meeting and can take a couple weeks.