Resources and Pathways for IMGs

Visa Resources

While the ACS is not a legal entity, we recommend checking the websites below for information on obtaining visas for residency or work. You may be eligible for different visas depending on your country of origin or purpose.

Resources

• Applying for Residency as an IMG: brief overview of J1/H1b from Resident 360
• Information on working in the United States from the US Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• Information on Case Processing Times from USCIS
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates website

Training in the USA and Program Director Resources

In 2024, about 2.5% of the 1,717 surgery residency positions were filled by US IMGs and 1.7% by non-US IMGs.¹

Pathway Resources

• Applying for Residency as an IMG
• States Allowing IMG Practice without US Residency (Blog)
• Conrad 30 Waiver Program: waiver of two-year foreign residence requirement for J-1 foreign medical graduates

USIMGs

When referring to international medical graduates, the assumption is that students from other countries are coming to the United States. However, that is not always the case. A population of students from the United States may want to do work or schooling in other countries or have completed their medical training programs internationally and want to return for work. The resources below are specifically for US medical graduates interested in learning how to do residency or work outside of the United States.

The IRC IMG Subcommittee is currently curating resources for USIMGs. Check back soon for updates.