RESOURCES

You may find that some high-quality applicants for fellowship require J1 Visa sponsorship. There are some steps you need to take in order to offer a fellowship position to these unique applicants. 

1. The first step in this process is to apply for a new training program liaison (TPL) through the ECFMG (Education Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates). Click here for the application. You will also need to Request to add a Non-Standard Training Program. Click here for the application, and email both applications to: EVNetAdmin@ecfmg.org.
2. Obesity Medicine fellowships are considered non-standard training programs and require a letter from an ABMS member board, such as ABIM. ABIM will furnish a letter of support for those on J1 Visa. You will need to provide the following for each candidate to review:

   -A brief proposal from the program director, requesting the letter of support, dates of training, and candidate’s ECFMG number
   -A copy of the program description
   -A copy of the candidate’s CV

   This information may be sent to ABIM at AcademicAffairs@ABIM.org.

3. Complete the checklist for initial or continuation of sponsorship in a non-standard clinical training program, depending on if your applicant is currently sponsored by ECFMG. 
4. The GME committee at your institution will need to complete the Endorsement and Program Verification form. 

The OMFC has several templates for documents you will need to submit. To request a template, please email Dr. Stacy Schmidt (stacy@omfellowship.org). 

Additional information on how to sponsor J1 Visa applicants can be found at: https://www.ecfmg.org/evsp/index.html