Graduates of international medical schools, whether American or foreign nationals, should contact the Medical Board of California for current requirements to commence postgraduate training and to receive subsequent licensure.
| Medical Board of California |
| Licensing Program |
| 1426 Howe Ave., Suite 54 |
| Sacramento, CA 95825-3236 |
| Phone: (916) 263-2382 |
| Website: www.caldocinfo.ca.gov |
Foreign nationals must consider current visa requirements for training. Either a permanent resident card or a J1 visa sponsored through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) is required. J1 visas allow for a maximum stay of seven years. The ECFMG may be contacted directly for visa sponsorship application information and current immigration regulations for post-graduate training. You may contact the ECFMG at:
| Education Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates |
| 3624 Market St., 4th Floor |
| Philadelphia, PA 19104 |
| Phone: (215) 386-5900 |
Foreign nationals without permanent residency status who are US medical school graduates may participate in their first year of post-graduate training with school authorized F-1 Optional Practical Training and work permission issued by the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Training beyond the first year requires either a J1 visa (see above) or an H-1B visa. An H-1B visa is institution-specific and requires the host institution to petition the USCIS for sponsorship. This visa is valid for a maximum stay of six years and requires the passing of Steps I, II and III of USMLE. [Step II now includes English Proficiency.]
Foreign nationals who are graduates of international medical schools may qualify for H-1B sponsorship. In order to qualify for H-1B sponsorship, the foreign medical graduate must possess a "Post Graduate Training Authorization Letter" [previously referred to as "Applicant Status Letter"] issued by the Medical Board of California in addition to Steps I, II and III of USMLE.
For additional information, foreign nationals considering a Cedars-Sinai training program should contact:
| Cedars-Sinai Academic Services/Human Resources |
| Immigration and Licensing |
| Phone: (310) 423-5539 |
| Fax: (310) 423-0345 |
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