Matched?

Here's how?​

To practise or participate in any form of training, educational or paid, J1 is the visa type that you would need.

Keep scrolling through this detailed and on-point blog to find all necessary information, compiled in one webpage.
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J1 Visa should be applied for by IMGs seeking to pursue a career in medicine after clearing Step-1 and Step-2. 
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Who Sponsors your J-1?

 J-1 is a sponsored visa usually backed by the very program, but for the healthcare arena, sponsorship comes solely through the ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) and NOT through the host hospital or program.
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Maintaining Contact with ECFMG

The Training Program Liaison (TPL) serves as a check-point between the ECFMG-Program-Student communication channel.

All passage of information, communication happens via the TPL. This is to ensure an advisory supervision over the J-1 physician and the relevant program. 

TPL has issued a set of guidelines to ease the visa applying process for the applicants.

Having a DS2019 in possession is mandatory to book a visa appointment. Getting a DS 2019 is a long process and might take up to a month, follow the steps listed below to have yours →
  • Upon receiving your appointment/contract letter, sign it immediately and send it back to the host.
  • The TPL initiates your profile on the ECFMG J1 visa program website.
  • Some documents need to be uploaded by you, e.g., the Passport and Proof documents, if you are adding dependents and their passports.
  • One must verify the details in their profile.
  • The TPL uploads your offer letter, the program description, salary proof, and health insurance for financial resources
  • Submit the fees for ECFMG and SEVIS.
  • Upon completion of the mentioned six steps, your profile will be put on hold for the SON.
  • SON is crucial in the J1 visa process, and it’s essential that you start working upon it as soon as you receive the offer-letter.
  • The SON application form can be found on your country’s   Ministry of Health website. 
* Download it and try filling it in digitally rather than manually. Follow the instructions provided in the document. This SON application must be attested and notarized (may vary in a few countries).
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If you're based in India, the process will be different

  • If you are in your home country: Good for you! The process is simple. Fill out the application form, attach supporting documents, attest, notarize, and send to the MOH.
  • If you are in the USA or not your home country: Things may seem a little twisted here, but an informed guide can make that so much simpler! And here we are doing exactly that for you.
    • Fill out the application, attach supporting documents, notarize, and attest. Look for your country’s embassy/consulate closest to you. 
    • Search for details and process to apply for the consulate’s attestation. It is preferred that you visit in-person for the attestation, as this prevents unnecessary prolonging of the process.
    • For example, in case of any required edits or resubmission. If sent through the mail, it can take 15 days even if there are no corrections. Once you receive the attested application form, the completed application can be sent to MOH.​

Once the MOH receives your application, processing may take anywhere between 15-30 days. The SON will be sent by email to ECFMG, and you will be CC’ed. 

This is enough, and SON need not be mailed to ECFMG.
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​After ECFMG receives your SON, it takes upto 2-3 days for the status to be updated. 
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After the updation, ECFMG sends your DS2019 to the TPL, who then, being the mediator, mail it to you. 
  • Be cautious in providing the address, and submit only that address where you will be available to collect the mail (it doesn’t matter if it’s not a US address).


​Once you receive the DS 2019, book a visa appointment!  Schedule it for yourself and your dependents. 

Most countries have an option for emergency appointments for J1 visa applicants. If it comes to that, request an emergency appointment.

​Be-in time! The most important of all the bullets is a timely submission. It is essential for getting your SON in time.

​Caution and Vigilance: Check and recheck everything so that your application is not sent back for correction, hence delaying the process and building stress.

Useful Video for IMGs

Physician green card & residency Visa H1, J1, Waiver