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ECFMG Eligibility for Residents & Clinical Fellows

The Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine has a policy on “Visa Sponsorship for Clinical Training” (Residents and Clinical Fellows) which states the following:

Policy

The School of Medicine sponsors incoming Residents and Fellows for J-1 ECFMG Alien Physician Exchange Visitor Status. This applies to Residents and Fellows joining the SOM from abroad, as well as those individuals in the U.S. in another U.S. nonimmigrant status. Questions about SOM’s policy should be directed to [email protected].

Department Process for ECFMG Sponsorship

The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) provides immigration sponsorship for foreign medical school graduates who wish to pursue programs of graduate medical education and training at accredited U.S. schools of medicine or scientific institutions.

Johns Hopkins Departments that plan to host individuals in a Clinical Fellowship or Residency program should work directly with the designated ECFMG Training Program Liaison (TPL) at Johns Hopkins to initiate the sponsorship process at up to 6 months but no less than 3 months in advance of the intended start date at Johns Hopkins. The TPL will advise the department and the individual on necessary documentation and steps involved in the application process.

ECFMG Extension Process

Johns Hopkins Departments seeking to extend individuals in active fellowship or training programs for additional years should contact the TPL to initiate the extension process up to 6 months but no less than 2 months in advance of the current appointment end date.

ECFMG End of Program

Please notify the TPL if an individual’s clinical fellowship or residency program ends before their scheduled end date. ECFMG requires notification for programs that end early.

Training Program Liaison (TPL) Contact Information

The Johns Hopkins TPL can be contacted via the following email address: [email protected].

Additional Information

**No Moonlighting Policy**

ECFMG has a very strict policy that strictly prohibits Moonlighting. J-1 ECFMG alien physicians are ineligible to Moonlight. This is without exception. For further details please see ECFMG’s No-Moonlighting Policy.

Rotators

Non-U.S. Citizens (including ECFMG Alien Physicians) who visit Johns Hopkins temporarily as Rotators must complete the Rotator Clearance Procedures PRIOR to registering with the School of Medicine for an approved rotation. This includes Legal Permanent Residents. Only individuals who are U.S. citizens are exempt from the Rotator Pre-Arrival clearance procedures.