Stephen M. Perlitsh P.C.
49 West 45th Street, Floor 6
New York, NY 10036
Phone:
Fax:
Email: stephen@perlitsh.com
. H-1B Options for Physicians: Post Graduate Training and Attending Positions
International Medical School Graduates (IMG) can obtain H-1B status for clinical residency/fellowship programs, and attending positions, if they have passed all three parts of the USMLE examination or all parts of its predecessor, FLEX or NBME. The IMG must be competent in English, as evidenced by issuance of the ECFMG certificate, or a graduate of a medical school accredited by the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates of U.S. medical schools entering post-graduate training positions are not required to have passed these examinations, nor do they require ECFMG certification.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) should deny H-1B petitions based upon combinations of exams. For example, passing USMLE Parts 1, 2 & FLEX Part 2 is not acceptable for obtaining H-1B status. Unless an IMG has passed FLEX 1 & 2, or NBME 1, 2, & 3, the IMG must pass all three parts of USMLE. Although there have been instances of approvals based upon combinations of exams and based upon USMLE Parts 1 and 2 alone, they are few in number and are the result of an error by the USCIS.
This provision does not apply to teaching or research positions, including Research Fellowships. The provision may also not apply to certain Pathology Residency positions. Additionally, if an individual can establish that they are outstanding in their field, as evidenced by publications and presentations, USCIS may approve an H-1b petition, even if the individual has not passed USMLE 3.
Last update: November 24, 2005