Immigrating to the U.S. as a Doctor: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

• Requirements for Doctors in the U.S.
• What is an International Medical Graduate (IMG)?
• Understanding the USMLE
• ECFMG Certification for IMGs
• Requirements for ECFMG Certification
• Specialties for Immigrant Physicians in the US
• Steps for Immigration to the US as a Doctor
• Visa Types for Doctors to Immigrate to the US
• Salary of Immigrant Doctors in the US
• Conclusion
• FAQ

Requirements for Doctors in the U.S.

To work as a physician in the United States, there are a few requirements that you must meet. Firstly, you must have completed medical school and passed the medical practice test. Additionally, doctors who graduated from US medical schools need to obtain a proper state license. However, most of these requirements are waived for doctors who have national or international recognition in their field of expertise and graduated from a foreign medical school.

What is an International Medical Graduate (IMG)?

An IMG is a doctor or physician who acquired their primary medical degree from a medical school outside of the US. This classification is determined by the location of the medical school. For instance, US nationals who graduated from medical schools outside of the US and Canada are classified as IMGs.

Understanding the USMLE

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) consists of three phases that assess a doctor's ability to use a broad range of information, ideas, and concepts to perform as a competent physician. This exam has three steps, with the second step being divided into Clinical Knowledge (CK) and Clinical Abilities (CS). In order to obtain a license to practice medicine in the US, doctors must successfully pass all three steps of the USMLE.

ECFMG Certification for IMGs

ECFMG certification evaluates the credentials of IMGs entering the US healthcare system. To obtain this certification, IMGs are expected to enter ACGME-accredited residency or fellowship programs, complete the three steps of the USMLE, acquire a license to practice medicine in the US with no restrictions, find sponsorship for a visa, and pay the application fee of $75.

Requirements for ECFMG Certification

1. Complete the ECFMG certification application.
2. Take and pass Step 1, Clinical Knowledge, and Clinical Skills of Step 2 of the USMLE test.
3. Confirmation of medical education qualifications.
4. Completion of a medical school program for at least four academic years.
5. The medical school and year of graduation must be mentioned in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED).
6. Completion of all criteria and proof of final medical diploma.
7. ECFMG-provided verification of the medical diploma and transcripts.

It's important to note that international medical students/graduates must complete the USMLE Steps for ECFMG Certification within a 7-year timeframe. Failure to do so will invalidate the most recent USMLE passing performance for ECFMG Certification. However, students may seek an exemption to retake the test. The USMLE program restricts the number of times a test taker can attempt the same step to six.

Specialties for Immigrant Physicians in the US

There are around 44 distinct types of physicians in the US, and with the constant evolution of the medical sector, additional specialties continue to emerge.

Steps for Immigration to the US as a Doctor

1. Obtain the services of an immigration lawyer who can assist you in organizing the necessary paperwork and criteria for US immigration.
2. Choose a state to live in, as the requirements to practice medicine in the US vary depending on the state.
3. Obtain a medical license specific to the state you wish to practice medicine in.

Visa Types for Doctors to Immigrate to the US

1. H-1B visas: Requires a current work offer for full-time employment in a US clinic, college, hospital, university, doctor's office, or assisted living facility. Applicants must have completed their medical degree from a US-based institution or an accepted overseas school and pass the US Medical Licensing Examination.
2. O-1 visas: Requires outstanding achievements in the medical field, a position that demands above-average abilities and experience, and evidence to support these abilities. Physicians who qualify for an O-1 visa are exempt from taking the USMLE.
3. TN visas: Specifically for physicians from Canada or Mexico who wish to work in the US as teachers or research doctors. While direct patient care is possible, the majority of tasks should not exceed 10% of the total time.
4. J-1 visas: Enables doctors to pursue residency and fellowship programs in the US. Successful applicants must pass the ECFMG test and be accepted into a training program. However, a law requires J-1 visa holders to return to their home country for two years after completing their training, unless a waiver is granted based on exceptional circumstances.
5. E-2 visas: An option for physicians who wish to invest extensively in a medical firm in the US and are citizens of an E treaty nation. This visa requires a minimum investment of $100,000, employing at least 2-3 people, and being the primary owner of the company.
6. L-1 visas: Allows multinational firms to relocate executives, managers, or specialist staff from an overseas location to a US site.
7. EB-1 Green Card: Intended for physicians who have achieved exceptional talent in their medical practice or research. To qualify, applicants must meet at least three of the specified criteria demonstrating their exceptional achievements and contributions to their field.
8. EB-3 Green Card: Designed for foreign enterprises with operations outside of the US to send executives, directors, or specialist staff to the US.

Salary of Immigrant Doctors in the US

The salary of a doctor in the US varies based on factors such as their practice location and gender. On average, a specialist earns around $370,000 per year, while a general practitioner earns approximately $230,000 annually.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the necessary information, you can take the next steps towards immigrating to the US as a doctor. For more information on visas and salaries in the US, be sure to check out our detailed article. Additionally, don't forget to read about the 10 biggest challenges doctors face during the US application process. Remember to like this video and subscribe to our channel for more helpful content. If there's a specific visa you'd like us to cover, leave a comment below, and we'll make a video about it. Thank you for watching!

FAQ

1. What are the requirements for doctors in the US?

To work as a physician in the US, you typically need to complete medical school, pass the medical practice test, and meet other specific conditions. Doctors who graduated from US medical schools must also obtain a state license.

2. What is an IMG?

An IMG, or International Medical Graduate, is a doctor who obtained their primary medical degree from a medical school outside of the US.

3. What is the USMLE?

The USMLE is a three-step examination that assesses a doctor's ability to practice medicine in the US.

4. What is ECFMG certification?

ECFMG certification evaluates the credentials of IMGs entering the US healthcare system and is required for residency or fellowship programs.

5. What are the visa types for doctors to immigrate to the US?

There are several visa options for doctors, including H-1B, O-1, TN, J-1, E-2, L-1, EB-1 Green Card, and EB-3 Green Card.

DR MISBAH ULLAH KHAN OFFICIAL