Frequently Asked Questions

J-1's can attend conferences, but any payment for speaking engagements is considered moonlighting.

J‐1 physicians may engage in and receive compensation for only those activities that are part of the training program for which ECFMG sponsorship was approved. Work outside of the approved training program is strictly prohibited.

Please review the memo at this link:

https://www.ecfmg.org/evsp/evspemot.pdf

ECFMG-EVSP does not approved or disapprove activities or pay. The guidelines in the regulations are clear and are published on our web site at https://www.ecfmg.org/evsp/evspemot.pdf

In summary, the short answer is, any activities and/or compensation that are not a part of the training program for which sponsorship was approved, required of all trainees and necessary to complete the training program/to graduate are strictly prohibited.

Program directors must know and understand these parameters and make decisions for J-1 trainees accordingly.

Reimbursement for a required educational conference pertaining to travel expenses may be different. Was attendance to the conference required?

NOTE: Payment for speaking is not permissible.

EVSP Reference Guide (ecfmg.org) 

🛂 Guide: What to Do If You're Sent to Secondary Inspection at U.S. Customs

Why It Happens:

If you've changed your J-1 visa category (e.g., from Research Scholar to Physician), you may be flagged at customs and referred to secondary inspection. This is often routine and does not mean you’ve done anything wrong.

🔎 Common Reasons for Secondary Inspection:

1. Visa Category Change Triggers Scrutiny
   CBP flags any changes in visa category, especially within the J-1 program. The Physician category requires more regulatory checks.

2. High Compliance Threshold for J-1 Physicians
   Officers may verify:

   • Valid ECFMG-sponsored DS-2019

   • Active SEVIS status

   • Compliance with the 212(e) home residency rule
     
     

3. Lack of Familiarity with Clinical Training Paths
   Many CBP officers are unfamiliar with J-1 Physician processes and refer travelers to secondary to double-check documentation.
   
   

4. SEVIS Record Conflicts or Gaps
   If your J-1 Research SEVIS record wasn't properly closed, or there’s overlap between SEVIS IDs, that may raise flags.
   
   

✅ Documents to Carry When Reentering the U.S.:

Bring these with you in your carry-on:

• Original DS-2019 from ECFMG (signed)

• SEVIS fee payment receipt

• Start letter from your GME Office or program

• Proof of ECFMG sponsorship

• Closure confirmation of your old SEVIS record (if applicable)
  
  

🛠 If You Experience Repeated Delays:

You can request a review of your immigration file by filing a DHS Travel Redress Inquiry (TRIP):

🔗 Submit a DHS TRIP Inquiry

This process allows the Department of Homeland Security to review and potentially remove outdated or incorrect flags in your record.

💬 Pro Tip:

Be calm, respectful, and patient during inspection. Secondary inspection is often just a precaution and can be resolved quickly if you have all your documents in order.

Although most of you may be fluent and proficient in English, some may find it challenging to have regular conversations when English is their second language. Here are some resources in case you’d like to explore this:

Resources for Trainees:

• ESL courses in Fall 2021: Please refer to the linked attached flyer which has recommended Academic English courses for trainees. Trainees can ask for more information about a specific course or get a permission number by contacting esl@umn.edu. 

• Self-Service Website: We have a robust website to support multilingual students with their language development and communication skills: esl.umn.edu.  The website includes tips and resources for online learning, self-study materials, practice quizzes, tips, videos, and useful links to provide English language practice. 

Contact:

Minnesota English Language Program (MELP)

University of Minnesota | esl.umn.edu |