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University of Florida

Transfer To ECFMG

If you are currently a J-1 exchange visitor sponsored by UF and you have been accepted a medical residency program, then you must be sponsored by ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates) as a J-1 Alien Physician before starting your residency program. Medical residents in the United States are sponsored by ECFMG, not by the specific hospital or university where they will be conducting the residency.  

To change from your current J-1 category to the J-1 Alien Physician category, you must either 1) transfer your SEVIS record from UF to ECMFG or 2) leave the US, apply for a new J visa at the US Embassy in your home country with the ECFMG-issued DS-2019, and then reenter the US using that DS-2019 and new visa. 

The process for transferring to ECFMG is:  

  • Contact ECFMG and inform them that you are a current J-1 exchange visitor and you wish to transfer your record. They will provide you instructions about the process. 
  • ECFMG will provide you a form for your current sponsor to sign. Email that form to your EVS advisor, along with a copy of your residency offer letter. 
  • Follow the instructions provided by ECFMG to apply for a change of category with the Department of State. Any questions about the change of category process must be directed to ECFMG.  
  • Once the change of category application is approved, ask ECFMG to fill out the UF Transfer-Out form. This form must be completed by an RO/ARO (immigration advisor) at ECFMG, not the hospital or university where you will be completing your residency. 
  • Send the completed UF Transfer-Out Form to your EVS advisor. EVS will then schedule the transfer in SEVIS.  

UF Transfer-Out Form

If you will start a new program with ECFMG by applying for a new visa in your home country, the only EVS process required is to confirm that your DS-2019 end date matches the actual end date of your UF program. If it does not, email your EVS advisor and your UF department.  

Important Considerations  

  • If you have obtained a waiver of the 212(e) Two-Year Home Residency Requirement, you are not eligible to transfer your record.  
  • This process is managed by ECFMG. As such, they will be your primary source of information.