Transcript Slide 1

Educational Commission for
Foreign Medical Graduates:
An Overview
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New Logo for ECFMG
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ECFMG is introducing a redesigned logo in
conjunction with the 50th Anniversary.
ECFMG’s Standard ECFMG Certificate and other
ECFMG documents will be redesigned to reflect
ECFMG’s new logo.
Individuals who review documents related to
ECFMG Certification can access more information
on these changes on the ECFMG website:
http://www.ecfmg.org/anniversary.html#look
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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ECFMG
Private, Non-profit Organization
Organizational Members
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American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)
American Medical Association (AMA)
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
Association for Hospital Medical Education (AHME)
Federation of State Medical Boards of the United
States, Inc (FSMB)
National Medical Association (NMA)
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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ECFMG Services
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ECFMG Certification - Credentials
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Certification Verification Service (CVS)
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Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS)
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Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program (EVSP)
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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“IMG” Definition
An International Medical Graduate (IMG) is any
physician who received his/her basic medical
degree or qualification from a medical school
outside of the U.S. or Canada, regardless of
citizenship
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This includes any U.S. citizen who received a
medical degree from a school outside of the U.S.
or Canada
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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ECFMG Certification
ECFMG Certification assures residency program
directors and the U.S. public that the international
medical graduate (IMG) has met minimum
standards to enter U.S. residency programs
ECFMG Certification is required for:
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IMG entry into ACGME-accredited GME
Taking USMLE Step 3
State licensure
J-1 visa sponsorship / ECFMG
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Medical Education Credential
Requirements for ECFMG Certification
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Completion of a medical school curriculum of at
least four academic years
Medical school and graduation year listed in the
International Medical Education Directory
(IMED) See http://IMED.ecfmg.org
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Documented completion of all requirements for
and receipt of final medical diploma
Primary source verification of medical
diploma and transcript by ECFMG
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Examination Requirements
for ECFMG Certification
Prior Requirements*
Current Requirements
USMLE Step 1
Basic Science
USMLE Step 1
Basic Science
USMLE Step 2
Clinical Science
USMLE Step 2 CK
Clinical Knowledge
ECFMG Clinical Skills
Assessment (CSA)
USMLE Step 2 CS
Clinical Skills
English language
proficiency test (TOEFL)
Spoken English Proficiency
(SEP) is part of the USMLE
Step 2 CS
*A valid ECFMG Certificate may be based on previously-administered
examinations.
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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ECFMG Certification Resources
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General Certification Information
@
http://www.ecfmg.org/cert/index.html
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ECFMG Certification Fact Sheet
@
http://www.ecfmg.org/cert/certfact.html
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Permanent Validation Sticker
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Form 246: http://www.ecfmg.org/cert/permvald.pdf
Form 295:http://www.ecfmg.org/forms/form295.pdf
E-Newsletter: The ECFMG Reporter
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Certification Verification Service
(CVS)
ECFMG's Certification Verification Service (CVS) provides
prompt, primary source confirmation of an IMG’s ECFMG
certification status. This information is provided to
residency programs, state medical boards and other
organizations, such as hospitals and HMOs.
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Satisfies JCAHO requirement for primary-source
verification of IMG’s medical school completion
No charge for GME programs
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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CVS Online
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Web-based requests for confirmation of
ECFMG Certification status
Confirmations sent via postal mail
Establish an account for your program by
sending e-mail to [email protected]
http://www.ecfmg.org/cvs
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Electronic Residency
Application Service
(ERAS)
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Most residency/fellowship programs require
application through ERAS
Developed by the AAMC and administered by
ECFMG for IMGs, ERAS transmits the following to
program directors through the Internet:
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residency applications
letters of recommendation
deans’ letters/ MSPEs
transcripts
other support documentation
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Exchange Visitor
Sponsorship Program
(EVSP)
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Administers J-1 programs -“alien physician” per
Federal Regulations 22CFR§62.27(b)
Interfaces with DOS/DHS in tracking of J-1
physicians in SEVIS database
Collaborates with HHS, Academic Medicine and
the Legal Community on broad IMG issues
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Immigration Options
for Foreign National Physicians
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Who Needs a Visa?
All foreign national* physicians need
appropriate visas to participate in U.S.
graduate medical education (GME).
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Foreign national physicians may be U.S. medical school
graduates or IMGs; all foreign national physicians need
visas to train in U.S. GME
All IMGs, regardless of citizenship, need ECFMG
Certification for U.S. GME, not all IMGs need visas
*Foreign national = non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Immigration Terms
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“Visa” - A permit stamped or affixed in a
passport to request entry to the U.S. Only
needed at time of entry into the U.S.
“Visa Status” -Legal classification reflecting
physician’s authorized activity while in the U.S.,
i.e. B-1, J-1, H-1B
U.S.C.I.S. - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services, formerly the “I.N.S.”
U.S. Consulate – Branch of U.S. Embassy that
issues visas. Part of the U.S. Department of
State. Only located outside U.S.
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Entry into U.S. GME
Foreign National Physicians and IMGS
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Complete ECFMG Certification (if IMG)
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Apply for U.S. Residency Training Position
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Meet examination and credentialing requirements
Apply to ERAS
Interview with programs
Enroll in the NRMP Match
Secure a contract/letter of offer
Seek Appropriate U.S. Training Visa/Status
(if foreign national physician)
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Most Common Visas Types
for Foreign National Physicians in U.S. GME
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J-1 “Alien Physician”
 ECFMG is the only sponsor for clinical training in the
“alien physician” category
H1-B “Specialty Occupation Worker”
J-2 “Dependent”
 J-2 is defined as the spouse or minor child of J-1 visa
holder
F-1 “Student”
 Optional practical training – one year of training
O-1 of “Extraordinary Merit”
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Visa Considerations
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Hospital policies
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Does the hospital require a specific visa classification
for GME, or is it decided by the physician or by the
program?
Physician’s long term goals and plans
Physician’s immigration history in U.S.
Physician’s personal/family ties in the U.S.
Assess the facts, ask questions
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Considerations Specific to IMGs
in General Surgery
Preliminary
Years
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Give IMGs
competitive edge
Requires advance
to categorical
Extends overall
duration
Research
Before/During
Training
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Prior to residency
requires change
of category
During residency
extends overall
duration; visa
timeframe
considerations
Subspecialty
Training
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Requires careful
planning
Must change visa
status or petition
for an exceptional
extension if not
completed within
allowed visa
status maximum
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
vs.
H-1B Temporary Worker
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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J-1 Visa Status
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Educational & cultural exchange
“Non-immigrant intent”
ECFMG sole sponsor
USMLE Steps 1, 2CK, 2CS
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Valid ECFMG certification
Funding – hospital, home government or personal
7 year maximum
Two-year home residency requirement (*waiver)
J-2 dependents eligible for work authorization
4 - 6 weeks processing
Fee = $200
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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H-1B Visa Status
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Temporary Worker in a Specialty Occupation
“Dual Intent”
Employer sponsored
USMLE Steps 1, 2CK, 2CS, 3
Funding – hospital salary
6 year maximum
No home residency requirement
H-4 dependents not eligible to work
6 - 16 weeks
Fees - DHS, DOL & Attorney
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Immigration Steps
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Determine most appropriate visa classification for
physician and program
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Program applies for visa documentation from either
ECFMG or USCIS/DOL
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Physician applies for a “visa” at a U.S. Consulate
abroad and enters US
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If already in US in alternate “visa status,” physician
applies for a change of status through government
service center
Training can not begin until physician has obtained
appropriate visa status
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Visa Application Process
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Physician must schedule visa appointment at
U.S. Consulate in the home country via web or
phone
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Possible delays due to security clearances
Arrival in U.S. in appropriate visa status
authorizing medical training
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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ECFMG J-1 Sponsorship
J-1 Physician + TPL = Complete Application
Sponsorship Available for Participation in:
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ACGME Accredited Residency Training
ACGME Accredited Subspecialty Training
Non-Standard Programs (advanced cutting edge fellowships)
Extension for Board Examinations
Sponsorship Application Materials Available @
http://www.ecfmg.org/evsp/index.html
Online Application Payment and Status updates through OASIS
http://www.ecfmg.org
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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6 Steps of the
J-1 Visa Sponsorship Process
1. TPL and Physician Complete Application, Submit to
ECFMG
2. ECFMG Regional Advisor Evaluates Application
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TPL is notified of application deficiencies
If all requirements are met, application is approved
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Electronic SEVIS record is created
SEVIS Form DS-2019 is issued
3. SEVIS Form DS-2019 is mailed to TPL
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TPL makes copy for hospital records
TPL forwards SEVIS Form DS-2019 to the physician
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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6 Steps of the
J-1 Visa Sponsorship Process
(continued)
4. Physician Applies for J-1 Visa Status
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U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, or USCIS Regional
Service Center in the US
Requires electronic SEVIS Record and Form DS-2019
For detailed instructions see:
Option 1: Apply at U.S. Embassy or Consulate Abroad
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/obtainingvisa/index.html
Option 2: Apply for Change of Visa Status in the US
http://www.uscis.gov
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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6 Steps of the
J-1 Visa Sponsorship Process
(continued)
5. J-1 Physician Reports for Training
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The foreign national physician must present the
TPL with evidence of approved J-1 visa status in
order to begin the GME program. Documentation
includes:
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J-1 Visa Stamp in Passport
J-1 D/S (Duration of Status) on I-94 Arrival/Departure
Record
6. TPL Must Report Arrival / Delay to ECFMG
within Thirty Days of the Training Start Date
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Failure to report inactivates the SEVIS record
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Required J-1 Reporting
by Host Institutions & TPLs
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Arrival / Delays – within 30 days of contract start date
Any Change in the Approved Training Plan
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Remediation
Leave of absence/maternity leave
Licensure delay
Proposed off-site rotations
Proposed early advancements
Resignation
Contract termination
Legal Concerns /Allegations, Internal Hearings, etc.
* H-1B Reporting also required
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
IS DISCOURAGED
DURING TRAINING PROGRAMS
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Why?
If the J-1 physician departs the U.S. with an expired visa
stamp in the passport, visa renewal will be required to
re-enter. The visa application process may involve lengthy
security clearances, etc. and J-1 renewal cannot be
guaranteed.
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If the J-1 Physician MUST Travel:
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Discuss contract conditions - delay, failure to return, etc.
Refer to www.state.gov/travel
Request travel documents from ECFMG
 Endorsed SEVIS Form DS-2019
 “Letter of Good Standing”
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Maintaining Visa Status
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Strict Adherence to J-1 Regulations
(22CFR§62)
http://www.exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges
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Compliance With All U.S Immigration Laws
http://www.uscis.gov
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Reporting of U.S. Address
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/address.htm
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Valid Documentation for J-1
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Uninterrupted ECFMG Sponsorship / Valid SEVIS Form DS2019
Valid Form I-94
http://www.ecfmg.org/evsp/index.html
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Continuation of
J-1 Visa Sponsorship
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Available when progressing in a full-time
GME training program
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Requires approved contract - usually annual
Continuation Applications Available @
http://www.ecfmg.org/evsp/index.html
Online Application Payment and Status updates through
OASIS http://www.ecfmg.org
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Special Appeals to the
U.S. Department of State
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Changes in J-1 Visa Category
Exceptional Extensions of Stay Beyond Seven
Years
Advisory Opinions in Special or Unusual
Circumstances
Reviewed on case-by-case basis;
contact EVSP for further information.
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
34
Considerations Specific to IMGs
in General Surgery
Preliminary
Years



Give IMGs
competitive edge
Requires advance
to categorical
Extends overall
duration
Research
Before/During
Training


Prior to residency
requires change
of category
During residency
extends overall
duration; visa
timeframe
considerations
Subspecialty
Training


Requires careful
planning
Must change visa
status or petition
for an exceptional
extension if not
completed within
allowed visa
status maximum
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
35
EVSP Resources Review
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EVSP Homepage
@ http://www.ecfmg.org/evsp/index.html for
access to:
 EVSP Reference Guide
 EVSP Fact Sheet
 Application Materials
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Updates and Memoranda
U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor
Program @ http://exchanges.state.gov/education/jexchanges
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services @
www.uscis.gov
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U.S. Department of Homeland Security @
www.dhs.gov/dhspublic
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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Questions?
Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program
Tel: (215) 823-2121
Fax: (215) 386-9766
Copyright©2005 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG®). All rights reserved.
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