State Department Resumes Visa Process and Prioritizes J-1 Physicians

The U.S. Department of State announced June 18, it lifted the pause it placed on new visa appointments. The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, which provides certification for international medical graduates (IMGs) before they can enter U.S. graduate medical education (GME), indicated the department directed U.S. embassies and consulates to prioritize J-1 physicians for visa interview scheduling. This means that embassies can now resume booking visa appointments and have been asked to give priority to physicians applying for the J-1 visa for educational exchange.

Earlier this month, State suspended issuance of visas to many foreign nationals as part of a presidential proclamation. This impacted the process that enables IMGs to apply for a visa to complete residency training in the U.S., many of which remain in the U.S. and work here through the Conrad 30 waiver program.

IMGs play an essential role in filling workforce shortages in areas and specialties that struggle to recruit and retain physicians. The American College of Radiology® (ACR®) is pleased the J-1 visa pathway will remain available to these physicians to come to U.S. for residency training.

For additional information or questions, contact Ashley Walton, ACR Government Affairs Director.