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H-1B Visa Foreign Medical Graduates

Requirements for H-1B Visa Status for Physicians , Foreign Medical Graduates (FMG and IMGs)

Foreign medical graduates may use an H-1B visa for residency training and/or to practice medicine upon completion of residency training.  In order to qualify for an H-1B visa, the physician must:

  • Possess a degree in medicine;
  • Possess an unrestricted license to practice medicine in a foreign state;
  • Pass the Federal Licensing Examination (FLEX I and II) or the USMLE Steps I, II and III;
  • Demonstrate competence in oral and written English by successfully completing the English language proficiency exam given by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and
  • Such candidates must also possess an unrestricted license or other authorization to practice medicine in the state of intended employment in the United States.

Foreign Medical graduates who have not completed Step III of the USMLE do not qualify for the H-1B visa but may pursue their residency training using a J-1 visa.

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