Visiting Medical Students

A person who is studying at a foreign medical school is permitted to enter the U.S. as a visitor for business on a B-1 visitor visa, or under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) as a Temporary Business Visitor to participate in an “elective rotation” at a U.S. medical school.  Please note that temporary visitor for pleasure status (B-2 or WT) is not acceptable to participate in an elective rotation. Temporary Business Visitor (VWP) or Visitor for Business (B-1) are the only acceptable non-immigrant visa options for visiting international medical students to engage in an elective rotation.

The following eligibility requirements must be met:

  1.   Student must be a third or fourth year medical student pursuing a medical degree at a foreign institution.
  2.   Student may not engage in research.
  3.   Student cannot receive remuneration (pay) from UT Health San Antonio or any affiliated hospitals.
  4.   Student can only engage in two (2) electives, each of 4-weeks duration, at our institution.
  5.   Student must check I-94 record upon arrival to the U.S. to confirm that s/he was admitted as a visitor for business (B-1 or WB).
  6.   Student is fully responsible for making sure that s/he is in full compliance with all U.S. Department of Homeland Security laws and regulations and maintain lawful immigration status while in the U.S.

Medical electives are organized with the School of Medicine’s Office of Undergraduate Medical Education.  Please visit their website and contact them directly if there are questions.  The Office of International Services (OIS) will provide immigration assistance upon request for foreign medical students only after they have been approved by the School of Medicine for an elective rotation.

Once a student has been approved by the School of Medicine to participate in an elective rotation, the department will provide the student with a form to complete for our office. At least one month in advance of the proposed elective start date, the department must submit all required documentation to OIS.  Once it has been reviewed by OIS, the department and student will receive an email with further instructions.