Visa and Eligibility of Residents

Original Approval: 6/3/2025 

Revision Date: 6/3/2027

Applies To: All UNR Med GME Training Programs

Policy Statement

The University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine (UNR Med) is committed to fostering a supportive and compliant training environment for all residents and fellows. This policy outlines acceptable visa types for Graduate Medical Education (GME) Residents and Fellows, responsibilities for maintaining visa status, and protocols related to international travel. Departments are not obligated to accept Residents and Fellows on visas; visa sponsorship decisions must align with institutional capacity and compliance with federal regulations.

Acceptable Visa Categories

GME Residents and Fellows may participate in training at UNR Med under the following visa types:

• J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
• J-2 Dependent Visa, with a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

Residents and Fellows must have and maintain valid visa status to begin and continue training. Those unable to obtain or maintain valid status are ineligible to participate in a GME program.

Additional Requirements

• The acceptability of the visa types listed in this policy is contingent upon the applicant meeting all requirements established by the Nevada State Board of Medical Examiners.
• Failure to obtain or maintain necessary licenses and eligibility to work in the U.S. will result in termination of the training contract. 
• USMLE Requirements:
  • Applicants on J-1 or J-2 visas must have successfully passed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) prior to appointment.

Visa Processing and Delayed Starts

• Residents and Fellows must obtain valid visa status by the official start date of their training contract.
• Offers of appointment will be rescinded if visa status is not secured by the start date.
• Appointment may be considered within 3 months of the original start date, at the discretion of the Program Director and GME Office.
• For NRMP-matched Residents and Fellows, any visa-related delay must be reported to GME to immediately to initiate an NRMP waiver request.
• Program Directors must provide written notice of this policy to applicants at the time of offer.
• Residents and Fellows are responsible for maintaining valid visa status throughout the duration of their training.

International Travel Guidelines

Pre-Travel Responsibilities

• J-1 visa holders must obtain a valid travel signature on Form DS-2019 from ECFMG prior to international travel. This is the trainee’s responsibility.
• All visa-holding Residents and Fellows must inform their Program Director of any Delays Returning to the U.S.

If a trainee is delayed in returning to the U.S. due to visa issues or travel disruptions:

• They may remain on payroll until all accrued vacation and sick leave is exhausted.
• After leave exhaustion, the trainee will be placed on unpaid leave, for a maximum of 30 calendar days.
• The GME Office reserves the right to terminate a contract during this 30-day period, depending on the impact on the program and disruption to operations caused by the trainee’s absence.
• If the trainee has not returned within the approved leave period (maximum 30 days), their training agreement will be terminated.
• During any unpaid leave, the trainee must maintain J-1-required health insurance coverage for themselves and their dependents.
• Extended absences may affect the trainee’s ability to meet program or board certification requirements. Residents and Fellows should consult with their Program Director and certifying board as needed.