International Medical School Graduates

Employment authorization

Physicians who are enrolled in a SIU School of Medicine residency or fellowship program, who are not United States citizens must have one of the following:  

• permanent resident status
• appropriate employment authorization documentation
• J-1 visa through ECFMG (see below)

VISAS

SIU School of Medicine accepts exchange visitors sponsored through the Exchange Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).   For information regarding J-1 Visas, the Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program and application process, please visit the following links:

• General Information about the Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program (EVSP), Basic J1 Requirements and an Application overview can be found on the EVSP website.    
• Pre-Arrival Information
• J-1 Visa Tip Sheet

Illinois Medical License

Physicians will need to provide a copy of their ECFMG certificate as part of the Illinois medical license application.

• Driver's license & insurance

• Social Security

• Income taxes

• 2025 International Medical Graduate Orientation