Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Updates 2020

This page consolidates ECFMG|FAIMER news, program changes, and stakeholder communications related to the COVID-19 pandemic that were published in 2020. Click here to view more recent COVID-19 updates.

Newsletter

November 9, 2020
September 11, 2020
August 24, 2020
August 7, 2020
July 31, 2020
July 17, 2020
July 9, 2020
June 26, 2020
June 12, 2020
June 5, 2020
May 28, 2020
May 14, 2020
May 7, 2020
April 23, 2020
April 15, 2020
April 8, 2020

General

ECFMG|FAIMER Supports Coalition Recommendations for Fellowship Applicants in 2020-2021 (June 26, 2020)
Requirements for ECFMG Certification for 2021 Match (June 17, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Responds to Suspension of USMLE Step 2 CS Testing, Commits to Uninterrupted Pathway for IMGs to ECFMG Certification (May 26, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Supports Recommendations for Medical School Graduates Entering PGY-1 Residency Positions in Coming Months (May 19, 2020)
ECFMG Medical School Accreditation Requirement Moved to 2024 (May 13, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Endorses Recommendations and Resources for Medical Students, Trainees, and Physicians during COVID-19 (May 12, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Assisting New Jersey in Bolstering COVID-19 Physician Workforce (April 17, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Joins Physician Coalition in Support of Protections for Health Care Workers Battling COVID-19 (April 9, 2020)
As U.S. Licensing Authorities Seek to Expand Workforces, ECFMG|FAIMER Can Verify IMGs (April 8, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Update on Impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic (March 17, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Customer Service Experiencing Exceptionally High Volume (March 16, 2020)

ECFMG Certification and USMLE Exams

ECFMG|FAIMER Is Planning Requirements for ECFMG Certification for 2022 Match (November 9, 2020)
IMGs Eligible for Pathways Under Expanded Requirements Can Apply Now (October 22, 2020)
Eligibility Requirements for Pathways Expanded, More IMGs May Be Eligible (October 12, 2020)
Temporary USMLE Step 3 Eligibility Requirements Are in Effect (September 8, 2020)
Application for Pathways for ECFMG Certification for 2021 Match Now Available (September 2, 2020)
Detailed Information on Pathways Application Process Now Available (August 24, 2020)
Update on New Requirements for ECFMG Certification for 2021 Match (July 31, 2020)
Step 1 and Step 2 CK Content Distribution Changes (July 22, 2020)
COVID-19 Update for the USMLE Program (June 30, 2020)
USMLE Timeline for Step 1 Pass/Fail Score Reporting (June 19, 2020)
Requirements for ECFMG Certification for 2021 Match (June 17, 2020)
U.S. and International Prometric Test Centers Are Operating and International Medical Graduates Are Able to Schedule Appointments (June 11, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Responds to Suspension of USMLE Step 2 CS Testing, Commits to Uninterrupted Pathway for IMGs to ECFMG Certification (May 26, 2020)
USMLE COVID-19 Update: A Phased Approach for Expanding Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3 Testing (May 20, 2020)
ECFMG Medical School Accreditation Requirement Moved to 2024 (May 13, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Endorses Recommendations and Resources for Medical Students, Trainees, and Physicians during COVID-19 (May 12, 2020)
USMLE Update on Resuming Testing (May 8, 2020)
A Message from the Leaders of NBME and ECFMG|FAIMER (May 6, 2020)
A Message to Applicants—ECFMG|FAIMER is Open and Processing Your Applications (May 6, 2020)
Status on Prometric Testing – May 1, 2020 (May 2, 2020)
USMLE Exploring Alternate Test Delivery Options (April 28, 2020)
Updated Prometric Procedures (April 23, 2020)
USMLE’s Weekly Update on COVID-19 (April 20, 2020)
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) 4/10/2020 Update: Prometric Closures (April 13, 2020)
Issuance of Interim ECFMG Certificates (April 8, 2020)
USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Testing Suspension to Continue Through May 31, 2020 (April 3, 2020)
COVID-19 Updates and Resources from USMLE (March 31, 2020)
USMLE to Waive Fees for Eligibility Period Extensions and Testing Region Changes (March 13, 2020)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update for Individuals Planning to Take Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) (March 3, 2020)
Potential Impact of Coronavirus on USMLE Examination Administrations (January 30, 2020)

J-1 Visa Sponsorship and Entry to U.S. GME

Announcements

Proposed ICE Change Will Severely Impact Health Care Delivery During COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond, Leading Health Care Organizations Say (September 25, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Supports Coalition Recommendations for Fellowship Applicants in 2020-2021 (June 26, 2020)
Requirements for ECFMG Certification for 2021 Match (June 17, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Responds to Suspension of USMLE Step 2 CS Testing, Commits to Uninterrupted Pathway for IMGs to ECFMG Certification (May 26, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Supports Recommendations for Medical School Graduates Entering PGY-1 Residency Positions in Coming Months (May 19, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Endorses Recommendations and Resources for Medical Students, Trainees, and Physicians during COVID-19 (May 12, 2020)
A Message to Applicants—ECFMG|FAIMER is Open and Processing Your Applications (May 6, 2020)
U.S. Department of State Indicates Additional Flexibility Regarding Statement of Need Letter for J-1 Visa Sponsorship (April 23, 2020)
New Trump Administration Executive Order on Immigration Does Not Impact Non-immigrant Visa Processing, Including J-1s (April 23, 2020)
Advocating for Matched IMGs with U.S. Department of State (April 8, 2020)
Department of State Signals Visa Processing for Medical Professionals Will Move Forward (March 27, 2020)
Match Day Adds 7,000+ International Medical Graduates to U.S. GME Programs (March 23, 2020)

Direct Communications

To Exchange Visitor Physicians

Message to All Current Exchange Visitor Physicians: Now Accepting '21/22 Applications for Continuation of J-1 Sponsorship (December 18, 2020)
Message to All Current Exchange Visitor Physicians: Travel Reminder & Thank You (November 24, 2020)
Message to All Current Exchange Visitor Physicians: Share Your COVID-19 Story (August 13, 2020)
Message to All Current Exchange Visitor Physicians: Embarking on the New Academic Year (July 15, 2020)
Message to All Incoming Exchange Visitor Physicians: Transition Support & Info for Incoming J-1 Physicians (June 8, 2020)
Message to Incoming Exchange Visitor Physicians from India: India Visa Appointment and Travel Availability (June 5, 2020)
Message to All Current Exchange Visitor Physicians: COVID-19 Thanks & Check Your Application Status Online (April 9, 2020)
Message to All Current Exchange Visitor Physicians: Suspension of Routine U.S. Visa Services (March 19, 2020)
Message to All Current Exchange Visitor Physicians: COVID-19 Travel Restrictions (March 16, 2020)
Message to All Current Exchange Visitor Physicians: Coronavirus Update from EVSP (March 4, 2020)
Message to Current Exchange Visitor Physicians with China as Home Country: Travel from China by Foreign Nationals Restricted by Presidential Proclamation (February 4, 2020)

To Training Program Liaisons

Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Now Accepting '21/22 Applications for Continuation of J-1 Sponsorship (December 18, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Continued Impacts of COVID-19 & J-1 Physician Well-being Survey (November 9, 2020)
Message to Training Program Liaisons Who Attended Duration of Status Webinar: Monday Deadline for Duration of Status Comments (October 23, 2020)
Message to Training Program Liaisons Who Attended Duration of Status Webinar: Duration of Status Toolkit Enclosed (October 19, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Help Prevent a Proposed J-1 Visa Change & Webinar Invitation (October 14, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Highlight Your Team's Efforts to Fight COVID-19 (August 13, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens (June 23, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Supporting Your Incoming Foreign National Physicians (June 8, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: India Visa Appointment and Travel Availability (June 5, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: TODAY: Live COVID-19 Q&A Webinar for Host Institutions (June 4, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Progress for Incoming J-1 Physicians & COVID-19 Webinar Invitation (May 29, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Presidential EO and Statement of Need Flexibility (April 22, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: TODAY: Live COVID-19 Q&A Webinar for Host Institutions (April 7, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: U.S. Dept. of State Guidance & COVID-19 Webinar Invitation (April 2, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: U.S. Visas Available for Foreign National Physicians (March 27, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: COVID-19 FAQs for TPLs (March 25, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: TODAY: Live COVID-19 Webinar for TPLs (March 23, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: COVID-19 Webinar and Visa Suspension Updates (March 20, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Suspension of Routine U.S. Visa Services (March 19, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: COVID-19 and J-1 Sponsorship News + Application Tips (March 13, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Coronavirus Update from EVSP (March 4, 2020)
Message to All Training Program Liaisons: Travel from China by Foreign Nationals Restricted by Presidential Proclamation (February 4, 2020)

To Program Directors

Message to All Program Directors: COVID-19 Newsletter: IMGs in 2021 Match and Duration of Status (November 10, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Monday Deadline for Duration of Status Comments (October 23, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Help Prevent a Proposed J-1 Visa Change & Webinar Invitation (October 12, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Update on IMG Applicant Pool for 2021 Match (August 24, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Highlight Your Team's Efforts to Fight COVID-19 (August 13, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Advocacy Efforts for J-1 Physicians Continue: Proposed Change to “Duration of Status” (August 10, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Now Available–Webinar for GME Leaders on New ECFMG Certification Requirements for 2021 Match (July 24, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: J-1 Physician Arrival and ECFMG Certification for 2021 Match (July 20, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Please Send Your Questions to CEO of ECFMG|FAIMER by Monday, June 29 (June 25, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Presidential Proclamation Suspending Entry of Aliens (June 23, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Resource for Program Directors About New ECFMG Certification Requirements (June 18, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: New ECFMG Certification Pathways for 2021 Match (June 18, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: TODAY: Live COVID-19 Q&A Webinar for Host Institutions (June 4, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Progress for Incoming J-1 Physicians & COVID-19 Webinar Invitation (May 29, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: Launch of COVID-19 Resources (April 9, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: TODAY: Live COVID-19 Q&A Webinar for Host Institutions (April 7, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: U.S. Dept. of State Guidance & COVID-19 Webinar Invitation (April 2, 2020)
Message to All Program Directors: U.S. Visas Available for Foreign National Physicians (March 27, 2020)

To Designated Institutional Officials

To Ministry of Health Officials

Message to Ministry of Health Officials: Reminder: Action Needed to Expedite 2021 J-1 Visa Sponsorship Applications (October 20, 2020)
Message to Ministry of Health Officials: Take Action to Help J-1 Visa Applicants in 2021 (September 8, 2020)
Message to Ministry of Health Officials: Electronic Statements of Need Now Accepted for J-1 Sponsorship (April 7, 2020)

Medical Credential Verification Services

ECFMG|FAIMER Endorses Recommendations and Resources for Medical Students, Trainees, and Physicians during COVID-19 (May 12, 2020)
ECFMG|FAIMER Assisting New Jersey in Bolstering COVID-19 Physician Workforce (April 17, 2020)
Modifications to ECFMG|FAIMER Credential Verification Processes and Institutional Outreach (April 8, 2020)

International Medical Schools

ECFMG Focus (October 30, 2020)
ECFMG Focus (September 3, 2020)
ECFMG Focus (August 5, 2020)
ECFMG Focus (June 17, 2020)
ECFMG Focus (May 26, 2020)
ECFMG Focus (May 15, 2020)
ECFMG Focus (May 6, 2020)
ECFMG Focus (April 1, 2020)

Other Resources

Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB)

COVID-19 website

National Resident Matching Program^® (NRMP^®) “The Match”

NRMP responses to the Frequently Asked Questions

United States Medical Licensing Examination^® (USMLE^®)

COVID-19 Resources and Updates

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[Last update: March 9, 2021]