Physician Observer

A person who is a licensed physician in his/her home country, may enter the U.S. to observe medical practice. According to the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM 402.2-5(F)(8), Medical Doctor (CT:VISA-288; 02-22-2017)), the B-1 visitor visa (and likewise entry under the Visa Waiver Program) is appropriate for, “A medical doctor otherwise classifiable H1 as a member of a profession whose purpose for coming to the United States is to observe U.S. medical practices and consult with colleagues on latest techniques, provided no remuneration is received from a U.S. source and no patient care is involved. Failure to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) is irrelevant in such a case.”

The physician should be prepared to submit proof to the officer at the U.S. consulate and at immigration inspection at the U.S. airport that s/he is a medical doctor in his/her home country. As an observer, a physician may not have direct contact with patients or have unsupervised access to patients. In addition, the physician may not engage in any patient care. If any research will be conducted while at UT Health San Antonio, a J-1 visa will be required.

Steps in the Process:

• Physician secures observership through department/division.
  1. If the planned observation occurs at a UT Health clinic, the department must visit UT Health Physicians, and if the observation occurs at University Hospital, contact University Health Systems to determine appropriate documentation required.
  2. Complete Visiting Student application through Registrar’s Office.
• Department submits required documentation below to OIS at least 30 days in advance.
• After OIS review and approval, department provides physician with letter for visa appointment and/or for presentation at the port of entry when entering in B-1 status. If the physician enters in B-2 status, s/he will have to go to deferred inspections to get a correction.
• After physician enters the U.S., the department will provide OIS with a copy of the visa stamp, if applicable, the entry stamp, and the I-94 arrival record.

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