<p>Can a Non-U.S. citizen/permanent resident work in the U.S. provided he completed his education in a foreign med school? How probable is it? Is it very common? How much do you pay for that and do you have to be an excellent student? What are the procedures for getting residency and post-doc fellowships? </p>
<p>It would be appreciated if answers are detailed.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot! :)</p>
<p>I did a small report on this as part of a research project last term. If memory serves, about 30% of all resident physicians are from foreign medical schools; the vast, vast majority of these are not US citizens or permanent residents (greencards). The residents in question are usually in the US on a J-1 “student” visa.</p>
<p>In theory, these visas require a student to return to his home country for two years after his education is complete before re-applying for entry to the US. Many states have waivers for this, however. The exact number escapes me.</p>
<p>After residency, newly minted physicians can apply to stay in the US under, I believe, either an H1B or an O1 visa.</p>
<p>There should be no fees other than travel and immigration fees.</p>
<p>It is NOT very common–probably around 7,000 physicians a year or so. Presumably you have to be an excellent student and I don’t know anything about how one applies to the university programs themselves. Obviously one is at a disadvantage compared to students from American medical schools.</p>
<p>Thank you bluedevilmike! 7000 physicians per year look like a lot to me. But, is there any acceptance/rejection thingy at such residencies? What percent of foreign applicants get accepted each year? Is there any country wise priority like doing med school in UK will have that chances over doing med school in Malaysia?
Thanks a lot again for the answers!</p>
<p>Well, that includes some US Citizens at medical schools overseas. It’s certainly not THAT many – it’s about half the number of undergraduate spots at Ivy League universities, for example.</p>
<p>I have no idea how the application process to any particular hospital works. As a general rule, you should go to school (1) in the US if you can, (2) in your home country otherwise.</p>