How to Work and Immigrate 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:

1. Confirming Your Medical Qualifications
2. Securing a US Work Visa
3. Applying for Medical Residency
4. Getting a License
5. 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:

1. First, confirm that your medical school is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
2. You need to register with the ECFMG and receive an ECFMG identification number. You can do this through their online application portal.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. You must also fulfill a clinical skills requirement, which involves demonstrating your clinical and communication skills.
6. Throughout this process, you’ll need to submit various documents, such as proof of your medical degree and transcripts, directly to the ECFMG.
7. 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:

1. After passing the USMLE exams, you need to be certified by the ECFMG.
2. Register with the NRMP (National Resident Matching Program), also known as “The Match”. Programs like this align with your preferences.
3. 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.
4. If you’re selected, your residency program will invite you to an interview. Interviews usually happen between October and February.
5. 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.
6. The NRMP matches applicants and programs based on mutual preferences in March.
7. 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:

1. Successfully finish an accredited residency program in the US.
2. 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.
3. Gather the necessary documents:
   1. Proof of residency program completion
   2. Transcripts and certification from the ECFMG
   3. Passing scores from the required licensing examinations
   4. A detailed CV that includes your educational and professional history
4. 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.
5. Most states require you to provide your fingerprints and do a criminal background check as part of the licensing process.
6. The state medical board will verify your credentials.
7. Pay the fees, which vary by state but generally range from $200 to $1000.
8. If required, some state boards may require a personal interview during the application process.
9. Once everything is done, your application will be reviewed by the state board. It can take from a few weeks to several months.
10. 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.