J-1 sponsorship requires direct coordination between the J-1 applicant, the host institution, and ECFMG. The teaching institution’s Training Program Liaison (TPL) and the J-1 applicant must coordinate the submission of the sponsorship application and all supporting documentation to EVSP for review.
The checklists below describe the applications’ steps and provide instructions on how to apply for J-1 sponsorship through ECFMG.
Application Type | When to Use |
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Initial ECFMG sponsorship in an ACGME-accredited training program or NST program at an ACGME-recognized Sponsoring Institution. View checklist. | Applicant is not currently sponsored by ECFMG and seeks to engage in an ACGME-accredited training program or NST program at an ACGME-recognized Sponsoring Institution. |
Continuation of ECFMG sponsorship in an ACGME-accredited training program or NST program at an ACGME-recognized Sponsoring Institution. View checklist. | Applicant is currently sponsored by ECFMG and seeks to engage in an ACGME-accredited training program or NST program at an ACGME-recognized Sponsoring Institution. |
Application Type | When to Use |
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Continuation of ECFMG sponsorship in a research scholar non-clinical program of observation, consultation, teaching, or research. View checklist. | Applicant is currently sponsored by ECFMG in a research scholar non-clinical program and seeks to continue participation in a non-clinical research program with either no or incidental patient care. |
Application Type | When to Use |
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Continuation of ECFMG sponsorship to sit for an ABMS Member Board examination. View checklist. | Applicant is currently sponsored by ECFMG and seeks an extension of sponsorship to sit for an ABMS Member Board examination. |
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Certain cases/applications require additional review and approval by the U.S. Department of State. The memos below outline the documentation and fees required in addition to the standard application materials.
Change of Category (CoC): Initial applicants for sponsorship who have been in J visa status in another J category (such as J-1 student or research scholar) within six months of the proposed program start date must submit a “Change of Category” request.
Sponsorship Authorization: If a J-1 physician was previously approved for a Change of Category, any subsequent changes to their approved training path will require submission of a “Sponsorship Authorization” request. View memo.
Exceptional Extension: Any J-1 physician seeking to extend participation in ECFMG-sponsored training beyond 7 years must submit a formal extension request. View memo.
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Foreign nationals applying for sponsorship as J-1 physicians to participate in clinical training programs must meet the following general requirements:
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To initiate a sponsorship application, a TPL must have an applicant’s USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number. Applicants who do not currently have a USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number must request one by contacting evsp-support@ecfmg.org with the following information:
TPLs are not permitted to request a USMLE/ECFMG Identification Number on behalf of an applicant. Once the Identification Number is issued by ECFMG, the applicant must provide the Identification Number to the TPL.
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[Last update: March 1, 2024]