Dear Hiral,

You could apply for B1/B2 or J-1 visa. However since you have already cleared Step 2 CK J-1 could be more suitable for you.

If you want to apply for J-1 visa and you can read the following to think about your way forward.

Physicians who are foreign national physicians and who seek entry into U.S. programs of graduate medical education or training must obtain an appropriate visa that permits clinical training activities. International medical graduates who have passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK can seek ECFMG J-1 visa sponsorship to enroll in graduate medical education programs.

The J-1, a temporary non-immigrant visa is a visa commonly used by foreign national physicians and is reserved for participants in the Exchange Visitor Program.

Since J-1 was established to enhance international educational and cultural exchange between the people of the United States and other nations by the U.S. Department of State, this visa would be appropriate for you. However please keep in mind that exchange visitor (J-1) physicians are required to return home for at least two years following their training before being eligible for certain U.S. visas, so please keep this in mind before making your decision.

ECFMG has been designated as the visa sponsor by the US department of State for all exchange visitor (J-1) physicians who participate in clinical training programs. This sponsorship is also available for physicians’ eligible dependents.

ECFMG is responsible for ensuring that exchange visitor (J-1) physicians and host institutions meet the federal requirements for participation throughout the duration of sponsorship. ECFMG does not sponsor physicians for other U.S. visa types.

All initial applicants are advised to check their sponsorship eligibility. Detailed, up-to-date information on J-1 visa sponsorship by ECFMG, can be found at www.ecfmg.org/evsp .

Further applicants are advised that sponsorship eligibility should not be presumed and cannot be determined until a complete review of an individual’s U.S. visa history has been conducted.