ECFMG UpdateMarlene Keawe, MBA

University of Hawaii Pediatric Residency ProgramSeptember 2009

ECFMG Certification

Assures residency program directors and the U.S. public that the IMG has met minimum standards to enter U.S. residency programs

ECFMG Certification is required for:– IMG entry into accredited residency training – State medical license– J-1 visa sponsorship through ECFMG

Current ECFMG Certification Requirementshttp://www.ecfmg.org/

• USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 2 CS – English Proficiency (part of Step 2 CS)

• ECFMG’s official primary source verification of medical education credentials:

– Graduation from an approved medical school that offers 4 year academic program

– School must be listed in the IMED Directoryhttps://imed.faimer.org/

*ECFMG certificates issued based on previously administered exams andthose with expired dates may not be valid for residency .

Certification Verification Service CVS Online

http://www.ecfmg.org/cvs/

• Web-based verification of ECFMG certification status, available 24/7

• Free status report for GME programs• Establish an account for your program by emailing

https://cvsonline2.ecfmg.org/• Satisfies JACHO/Medicare IMG requirements

* Checks credentials of IMGs offered out-of-match positions

ECFMG & ERAS• Letters of Recommendation submitted to ERAS

by ECFMG are considered “original”, otherwise it will be noted as copy.

• IMGs can apply to ERAS before the final ECFMG certification has been issued, however they must have passed the USMLE exams: Step 1, Step 2 CK & Step 2 CS

• ECFMG targets June 20th to issue certificates for IMGs graduating in May/June for July 1starts.

J-1 VISA Sponsorship• ECFMG is the visa sponsor for all J-1 Physicians

in clinical training• J-1 is a temporary, non-immigrant visa used for

full-time education training, not employment• Requires an official GME Contract • Must be renewed each year• Requires 2 years of service in home country after

training (or J-1 waiver to work in US- HPSA/MUA)• 7 year maximum• $180 SEVIS fee, and $200 application fee

Training Program Liaison (TPL)

• Program Director or Coordinator or GME administrator at Training Institution

• Communicates with ECFMG’s Regional Advisor on all immigration & GME issues:– Required reporting by ECFMG in government

tracking in SEVIS database • Arrival of J-1 physician to program• J-1’s US residential address

– Any changes in training dates/status– Other: leaves of absence, remediation etc.

VISA Processing Three Steps:1) Schedule and appear for personal interview2) Apply for and satisfy general visa requirements 3) Receive security clearance required for visa issuance

Required Documents for Consular Processing – VISA Application & fees – J-1 applicants need Form DS-2019 (issued by ECFMG)

• Statement of Need from Ministry of Health, contract etc. – H-1 B applicants need approved H-1 B petition etc. – Passport & Photo

Form DS-2019issued

by ECFMG

Be sure this section is signed before leaving the USA.

Visa Stamp for US Entry • J VISA stamp in passport

and valid Form DS-2019 are required for J-1/J-2 entry to US

• If IMG travels abroad during training year, be sure they review all requirements for re-entry before leaving US

• Refer to ECFMG and EVSP website

http://www.ecfmg.org/evsp/travel.html

Type—J1 VISA

M = multiple entriesS = single entry

Last date to re-enter the USA.

I-94 Departure Card• Issued at Port of Entry

and stamped by the immigration official.

• Specifies “visa status” and duration of authorized stay

• J-1/J-2 are granted duration of status “D/S” which is tied to ECFMG continued sponsorship

D/S—duration of stay

J-1 Status

ECFMG’s Acculturation Program

• Offers resources for programs and IMGs on orientation to the US medical system & living and working in the United States.

• IMG Advisor Network (IAN) provides help to incoming residents http://www.ecfmg.org/acculturation/ian.html

• Addresses some unique challenges for IMGs:– Patient/MD Communications– Basic US Cultures/Practices (driving, etc.)– Idioms (24/7, bad hair day, under the weather etc.

H1-B VISA• Employment VISA valid for up to 6 years.• H-4 Spouses/Dependents are not granted

employment authorization (EAD) in US.• Not subject to the 2 year home requirement.• Employer must pay “prevailing” wage as other

US workers in the same field.• Employer responsible for certain fees: anti-fraud

fee, filing fees etc. and the return home flight if employment is terminated prior to end of approved petition.

O-1 VISA

• Limited to individuals of extraordinary ability and international renown

• Unusual that a resident would qualify• No maximum time limit• Initial filing is approved for up to 3 years.

Websites & Contact Info • www.ecfmg.org• https://cvsonline2.ecfmg.org/ (Central Online Verification

System with login)• http://www.ecfmg.org/evsp/evspinit.html (J-1 sponsorship

application materials)• www.ecfmg.org/acculturation (Transitioning IMGs)• http://travel.state.gov/ (travel for VISA holders)• www.uscis.gov (US Citizenship & Immigration Service)

ECFMGExchange Visitor Sponsorship Program Telephone (215)823-2121Fax (215)386-9766

Regional Advisor for HawaiiFred Valente fvalente@ecfmg.org