J-1 Alien Physician
(ECFMG Sponsorship)
If you are a physician coming to the United States for graduate medical education or clinical training, you must be sponsored in the J-1 Alien Physician category.
This includes programs such as:
- Internships
- Residencies
- Fellowships
- Other clinical training with patient contact
You cannot be sponsored by the university directly for this category.
ECFMG Sponsorship Requirement
You must be sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
ECFMG is the only organization authorized by the U.S. Department of State to sponsor J-1 physicians for:
- Clinical training programs
- Positions involving more than incidental patient care
Your training program in the U.S. will work with ECFMG to support your application, but your J-1 sponsorship will be issued by ECFMG, not the university.
Important Considerations
- You must meet all ECFMG eligibility and certification requirements
- Your program must be accredited and approved for J-1 physician training
- Your DS-2019 will be issued by ECFMG, not your host institution
- You must follow both ECFMG rules and J-1 regulations throughout your stay
For questions about your application, status, or eligibility, you should contact ECFMG directly.
ECFMG Contact Information
- Phone: (215) 386-5900
- Fax: (215) 386-9196
- Email: info@ecfmg.org
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time)