ECFMG. Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program. Copyright 2015 by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG ). All rights reserved.

Transcription

1 ECFMG Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program

2 Learning Objectives Review basic requirements for IMGs and foreign national physicians enrolled in U.S. GME Credentials Immigration ECFMG J-1 sponsorship Training Program Discuss internal administrative coordination Roles and responsibilities for required reporting What can we share with/learn from other programs?

3 Requirements for IMGs and Foreign National Physicians International Medical Graduates (IMGs) ECFMG Certificate (including U.S. citizens) Visa/visa status for Canadian citizens, other foreign nationals U.S. Grads (MDs & DOs) Diploma, USMLE and/or COMLEX Visa /visa Status for Canadians, other foreign nationals Canadian Grads Diploma, MCEE and/or USMLE Visa/visa status for Canadian citizens, other foreign nationals

4 IMGs & Entry into U.S. GME General Path for IMGs: 1. ECFMG Certification 2. Apply for U.S. Residency Training Position Apply via ERAS Interview with programs Enroll in the NRMP Match Secure a contract/letter of offer 3. Seek Appropriate U.S. Training Visa / Status (if foreign national physician)

5 IMG Credentials ECFMG Certification for All IMGS o o Medical Education Credentials Primary-source verification of medical diploma & transcript(s) USMLE Exams Step 1 Basic Science Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Medical Training License o State Medical Board Requirements GME / House Staff / Program

6 Immigration All foreign national physicians need an appropriate visa / visa status for GME (includes both U.S. graduates and IMGs) Most Common Visas for GME o o J-1 Exchange Visitor Physician - ECFMG H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker Employer Less Common o o F-1 Student Optional Practical Training -OPT J-2 Dependent - EAD GME / Human Resources / Legal / Program

7 Training Program Requirements Pre-screening / Recruitment Process Interview Contract offer Provide ACGME Educational Training Required rotations / core competencies Supervise & evaluate Remediate Recommend for board certification Program / GME

8 Best Practices Internal Administrative Coordination Staff: Qualified personnel = skills, knowledge, etc Defined roles and responsibilities Operation: Standard policies and procedures Logical flow/ realistic timelines, etc. Effective Communication Who and how exceptions are made flexibility, solving problems, etc.

9 J-1 Sponsorship = Partnership U.S. Teaching Hospital J-1 Physician Training Program Liaison ECFMG U.S. Department of State SEVIS

10 ECFMG: Visa Sponsor for All J-1 Physicians in Clinical Training 22CFR 62.27(b) J-1 Visa Temporary, non-immigrant Full-time educational training / GME (not employment) Mandatory medical/health insurance requirements for J-1s and J-2 dependents Strong ties to the home country Ministry of Health Statement of Need Imposes 2-year home physical presence requirement Maximum = 7 years max for progressive training Government tracking in SEVIS

11 ECFMG J-1 Sponsorship J-1 Physician + TPL = Complete Application Sponsorship Available for Participation in: ACGME-accredited residency training ACGME-accredited subspecialty training Non-Standard programs (advanced cutting edge fellowships) Extension for board examinations Sponsorship application instructions

12 Basic ECFMG J-1 Sponsorship Requirements* Adequate prior education ECFMG Certification GME contract or letter of offer Statement of Need from home country Ministry of Health (country of most recent legal permanent residence) Mandatory medical/health insurance requirements for J-1s and J-2 dependents For a complete list of required items, view *minimum requirements

13 Mandatory Insurance Requirements Federal Regulations mandate that J-1 Exchange Visitors and all accompanying J-2 dependents hold health, accident, and other insurances as outlined below: Minimum coverages*: Medical benefits of at least $100,000 per accident or illness Deductibles not to exceed $500 per accident or illness Repatriation of remains in the amount of $25,000 Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of exchange visitors to home country in the amount of $50,000 J-1 physicians are responsible to ensure that they and their J-2 dependents have health and accident insurance that meets the requirements listed above. ECFMG provides medical evacuation and repatriation of remains insurances to all J-1 physicians and J-2 dependents under their sponsorship. Insurance must be effective on the start date indicated on the DS and maintained for the full duration of participation in the J-1 program. *Effective academic year. (ECFMG ). All rights reserved. 13

14 EVSP s On-line Application Process Two on-line portals EVNet (TPL) OASIS (J-1 Applicant) Appointment profile submitted through EVNet Multiple applicants tied to one appointment Who is an Applicant? Physician requesting ECFMG J-1 sponsorship for first time J-1 physician currently sponsored by ECFMG and requesting extension of J-1 visa sponsorship Flow = EVNet OASIS ECFMG (TPL) (Applicant) (Regional Advisor) Upload Supporting Documents 14

15 J-1 Sponsorship Application Process Complete ON-LINE application 4-6 weeks to review applications Regional Advisor evaluates for eligibility If approved, SEVIS Record is created ECFMG issues Form DS-2019 ECFMG notifies applicant via , provides instructions for obtaining J-1 visa status

16 SEVIS Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Data exchange between DHS / DOS Immigration tracking of the activities of non-immigrant (J, F & M) visa holders and dependents Accessed by consulates, embassies, ports-of-entry, and other DHS agencies ECFMG creates and updates SEVIS records for all J-1 alien physicians and J-2 dependents

17 Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J) Status Legal document needed to apply for J visa and/or J-1 visa status Tracks immigration activity of J-1 physician Separate form issued for dependents 17

18 Visa Processing Options for Initial Applicants 1. Apply at a US Consulate Abroad or 2. Request change of visa status through USCIS Regional Service Center in the US Must obtain J-1 Visa status to begin GME ECFMG J-1 sponsorship approval and issuance of Form DS-2019 does not grant status 18

19 Visa Stamp Issued by US Consulate *Entry Document Only* Confirms: Visa type/class Number of entries (single or multiple) Issue date Expiration date for entry May expire while in the US in valid visa status 19

20 Print out of Automated I-94 20

21 Paper I-94 Card (Land Border) 21

22 Critical Issues for Initial J-1s Credentials Final medical school diploma and transcript, USMLE scores Issuance of ECFMG Certificate, medical license Immigration Approval of visa sponsorship Consular interview abroad, security clearance or change of status if in the United States Secure J-1 visa status document Program Start Report to program for orientation Obtain Social Security # (10 day wait after U.S. entry) I-9 verification of legal employment by hospital Medical/health insurance coverage that meets federal J visa requirements. Insurance must be effective on the start date indicated on the DS-2019 and maintained for the full duration of participation in the J-1 program.

23 Critical Issues for Continuing J-1s Maintaining J-1 Visa Status Continued full-time participation in GME o Contract to progress in training Licensure Step 3, if required o Timely renewal of ECFMG J-1visa sponsorship Medical/health insurance coverage that meets federal J visa requirements Required reporting of any change in approved training plan J-1s do not need to renew visa stamp annually!

24 Required Immigration Reporting Initial Arrival to the program = Validation Timely renewal according to annual GME contract Any change in the approved training plan Visa delays Remediation Leave of absence Licensure delay Proposed off-site rotations Proposed early advancements Resignation Contract termination Legal concerns / allegations, internal hearings, etc.

25 Academic Considerations Repeat of training year USMLE Step 3 Remediation Preliminary v. categorical Prerequisite General Surgery Specialty board credit Research Change of specialty Duration

26 When Travel is REQUIRED Be sure to discuss contract conditions Delayed return Failure to return Request travel documents from ECFMG Travel endorsement on Form DS-2019 Refer to:

27 Questions?! (215)