Immigrating to the United States as a doctor is a significant decision. However, to be among the best doctors in the US, you must go through a complex immigration process. But don’t worry because Visa Library has simplified the process for you in this article. Our article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in the process. Also, keep reading to learn about the steps of how to work a doctor in the USA.
Are Foreign Medical Degrees Accepted in the US?
Yes, foreign medical degrees can be accepted in the US. Still, you must meet several requirements to immigrate to the US as a doctor, including passing the USMLE, obtaining ECFMG, completing a residency program, and obtaining a medical license.
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Immigration to the US as a Doctor
Doctor Job Requirements in the US
To practice medicine in the US, you’ll need to meet specific job requirements for doctors. Let’s have a closer look:
- A medical degree from a university. The university must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. This degree needs to be equivalent to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in the US.
- Language Tests
- TOEFL: For the ECFMG, you typically need a score of 22 for Reading and Listening parts, 26 for Speaking, 24 for Writing, and an Overall of 92.
- IELTS: You need a general band score of 70, with no individual band score less than 6.5.
- You also have to pass a clinical skills assessment as part of the USMLE Step 2 CS (Clinical Skills), demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams.
How to Immigrate to the US as a Doctor?
If you want to move to the US as a doctor, you must complete the steps to be a doctor in the US. Here’s how to get started:
- Confirming Your Medical Qualifications
- Securing a US Work Visa
- Applying for Medical Residency
- Getting a License
- Settle in the US
Step 1. Confirming Your Medical Qualifications
You might need to pass the exam for doctors to work in the USA, including ECFMG certification. To immigrate to the US as a doctor and go through the ECFMG certification process, you must:
- First, confirm that your medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- You need to register with the ECFMG and receive an ECFMG identification number. You can do this through their online application portal.
- Submit an application for ECFMG Certification. You must prove your medical education credentials, including your transcripts and a medical degree. ECFMG will check them with your school.
- Pass several exams, including the USMLE Step 1 (covering basic medical principles), USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK), and Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS). The exams test your medical knowledge and clinical skills.
- You must also fulfill a clinical skills requirement, which involves demonstrating your clinical and communication skills.
- Throughout this process, you’ll need to submit various documents, such as proof of your medical degree and transcripts, directly to the ECFMG.
- The fees for ECFMG certification can range from $1,300 to over $3,000, and the process can take several months to over a year.
Step 2. Securing a US Work Visa
Foreign doctors need to get one of the US work visas. They usually get a J-1 visa for cultural exchange or an H-1B visa for specialized work. There are various visas for doctors in the USA, so choose the one that best suits your career plans:
J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitor Program)
You can get this visa if you’re a doctor participating in a residency or fellowship program. These visas are good for doctors who’d like to return home after training since they usually require holders to leave the country for two years before getting a permanent residency or work visa. a J1 visa for medical residency is a good option.
H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations)
This visa is for doctors with specialized knowledge who want to work in a hospital or related healthcare facility in the US. If they plan to stay longer, this visa allows them to get a green card.
O-1 Visa
It’s for doctors who have made outstanding contributions to medicine, like through awards or publications. Doctors who can prove exceptional abilities in their field should apply.
TN Visa (NAFTA Professionals)
TN visas are only available to Canadians and Mexicans. You can renew it indefinitely and there’s less paperwork than the H-1B.
Step 3. Applying for Medical Residency
Can foreign doctors do residency in the US? Yes, to work as a doctor in the USA, you need to get a visa for medical residency in the USA and complete a residency program. Here is how you do it:
- After passing the USMLE exams, you need to be certified by the ECFMG.
- Register with the NRMP (National Resident Matching Program), also known as “The Match”. Programs like this align with your preferences.
- Use the ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service) and submit applications to the residency programs you’re interested in. You’ll need to prepare a CV, personal statement, USMLE scores, and letters of recommendation.
- If you’re selected, your residency program will invite you to an interview. Interviews usually happen between October and February.
- Once you’ve interviewed, rank the programs in order of preference and send it to NRMP. The entire process generally takes at least 2 years.
- The NRMP matches applicants and programs based on mutual preferences in March.
- Start your residency program. It usually starts on July 1. Depending on the specialty, your residency can last 3 to 7 years.
Applying for residency involves several costs
- USMLE: $965 to $1,285 per exam
- ECFMG: About $150
- ERAS: Depends on the number of programs applied to, typically starting at $99.
Step 4. Getting a License
To immigrate to the US as a doctor, you must obtain a license from the medical board of the state where you wish to practice. Here are the steps:
- Successfully finish an accredited residency program in the US.
- Depending on your state, you may need to pass additional exams after your USMLE Step 3. Your state may require the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA) for osteopathic physicians.
- Gather the necessary documents:
- Proof of residency program completion
- Transcripts and certification from the ECFMG
- Passing scores from the required licensing examinations
- A detailed CV that includes your educational and professional history
- Submit and apply an application to the medical board of your intended state. This application will include all your compiled documents along with a detailed application form that varies by state.
- Most states require you to provide your fingerprints and do a criminal background check as part of the licensing process.
- The state medical board will verify your credentials.
- Pay the fees, which vary by state but generally range from $200 to $1000.
- If required, some state boards may require a personal interview during the application process.
- Once everything is done, your application will be reviewed by the state board. It can take from a few weeks to several months.
- Upon approval, you will receive your license to practice medicine in that state.
Step 5. Settle in the US
After securing a visa and coming to the US to work as a medical doctor, you must settle and go through more registrations:
Social Security Number (SSN) Registration
You must apply for a Social Security number (SSN) at the Social Security Administration (SSA). You need this number for employment and tax purposes. There is no fee for applying for an SSN.
State Driver’s License
You must obtain a driver’s license from the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). It typically involves a written test and a driving test. Fees vary by state but are generally from $20 to $60.
Banking
Set up your finances with a well-known bank, such as Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, or Citibank. These banks are used to dealing with newcomers and can help.
Housing
If you’re looking for housing, Zillow, Realtor.com, and Apartments.com can help. These platforms offer everything from renting apartments to buying houses.
Health Insurance
It’s crucial to have health insurance. Aetna, Blue Cross, and UnitedHealthcare are some of the major providers. These companies offer various plans.
Cost of Living
In the US, doctors’ cost of living varies greatly depending on their region and lifestyle but generally ranges from $60,000 to over $100,000, including expenses like housing, food, transportation, and other personal stuff.
Continuing Education
Continuing medical education (CME) is required to maintain your license and stay current on medical advancements. You can find accredited CME programs through hospitals, medical societies, or online platforms like Medscape or the AMA.
What is the Salary of a Doctor in the USA?
The average salary of doctors in the US ranges from $150,000 to $300,000 annually. This average considers various specialties and experience levels. Let’s look at other salaries categorized by specialties:
- Family and General Practitioners: Between $180,000 and $210,000 per year
- Pediatricians: Typically around $183,000 to $220,000
- Internal Medicine: From $195,000 to $230,000
- Surgeons: General surgeons earn from $300,000 to $500,000, and orthopedic surgeons often earn $600,000 per year.
- Anesthesiologists: Generally between $350,000 and $450,000
- Psychiatrists: About $220,000 to $260,000 annually
- Emergency Medicine Doctors: From $270,000 to $350,000
Jobs for Foreign Doctors in the USA
Doctor jobs in the USA include:
- Clinical Research Coordinator
- Medical Science Liaison
- Healthcare Consultant
- Public Health Analyst
- Medical Writer
- Medical Educator
- Biomedical Researcher
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Health Policy Advisor
Jobs for Foreign Doctors in the USA without USMLE
Without the USMLE, you have limited job options to immigrate to the US as a doctor. Here’s a list of potential job titles:
- Medical Researcher
- Healthcare Consultant
- Medical Writer or Editor
- Public Health Administrator
- Clinical Data Manager
- Health Informatics Specialist
- Medical Science Liaison
- Biotechnology Patent Analyst
- Teaching Faculty in Medical Sciences
How Hard Is It to Get Residency in the USA?
It’s tough to get a residency position in the USA, especially for foreign medical graduates. Due to the high number of applicants, both domestic and international, the competition is fierce. You’re more likely to succeed if you score well on USMLE, have clinical experience in the US, have good letters of recommendation, and do well on interviews. The level of competition is also affected by specialties and locations.
Can I Work as a Doctor in the USA without a Residency?
In general, you can’t be an independent doctor without a residency. Getting a medical license requires residency training and experience. Some jobs, like research positions or certain administrative jobs in healthcare, don’t require residency, but they don’t involve practicing medicine in the traditional sense or doing clinical work.
Can a Canadian Doctor Work in the USA?
Yes, but they have to meet specific requirements. When Canadian doctors graduate from a Canadian medical school that isn’t accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), they have to pass the USMLE, get certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), and get a residency program in the US They also have to get a state license.
Can You Go to Medical School in Canada and Practice in the US?
Yes. Generally, Canadian medical schools are on par with US schools, and the LCME accredited many, so it’s easier. Graduates must pass the USMLE, complete a residency program, and get a state license. Comparatively, Canadian medical graduates have a faster process.
Is MBBS in Canada Valid in the USA?
Canadian MD degrees are equivalent to US MD degrees, but Canada doesn’t offer the MBBS degree. The US recognizes Canadian MD degrees, so graduates can practice in the US after passing the USMLE exams, completing a residency, and getting a license.
Top 10 Best Cities in the US for Foreign Doctors
The best cities in the U.S. for foreign doctors to consider include:
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Chicago, Illinois
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- South Bend, Indiana
- Mandeville, Louisiana
- Columbus, Ohio
- Burlington, Vermont
- Norfolk, Virginia
Top 10 Best US Hospitals for Foreign Doctors
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
- UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
- Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland.
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
- NYU Langone Hospitals, New York, New York.
- UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, California.
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois.
- New York-Presbyterian Hospital-Columbia and Cornell, New York, New York.
Immigrate to the US as a Doctor: Let’s Recap
As a doctor, immigrating to the US is a rewarding yet challenging experience that takes planning, perseverance, and support. With the right education, licensing, and immigration requirements, foreign doctors can contribute to communities across the country.
If you have any questions about the process, write them in the comment section or use our free consultation service.
FAQ
Doctors can expedite their green card process if they work in underserved areas, but it still varies widely.
Yes, through employer sponsorship, National Interest Waivers, or family sponsorship.
Yes, for those seeking substantial earnings and the ability to impact health care despite the significant investment required.
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Hi am salwa abdirizak abdalla am 20years old I have 1years Cleaner experience I also worked at maka am mukarama hotel I am from Somalia and I want to work In Americawant to live in America and get residency I want to pay my American taxes and whatever is required of me the government
The first step to getting residency and becoming a taxpaying citizen of the United States is to apply for a green card. Next, you must meet specific eligibility requirements and submit your application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
To apply for a green card, you must have either a job offer from a U.S. employer or be sponsored by a family member or close relative who is already a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You must also be able to meet specific financial requirements to qualify.
Assuming you meet all the requirements, the next step is to fill out the I-485 application, the official form used to apply for your residency. You will also need to provide documentation, such as your passport and birth certificate, to prove your identity and eligibility.
The final step of the process is to attend an interview with a USCIS officer. During the interview, the officer will ask questions about your background, job, family, and plans for living in the United States. After completing the interview and submitting the necessary documents, you will receive your green card, allowing you to reside and work in the United States legally.