Jun 11, 2026
Over the past several weeks, Intealth has engaged directly with policymakers and US government agencies to provide education about the pathways international medical graduates (IMGs) follow to enter accredited US residency and fellowship programs. These conversations have addressed the role of observerships and other preparatory experiences and have helped clarify the distinctions between B visa activity and participation in accredited GME programs through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. As a result of these productive discussions, Intealth encourages physicians from India who were previously denied a visa appointment to consider reapplying for a J visa at a post in India.
Visa issuance decisions remain solely at the discretion of US consular officers, and no outcome can be guaranteed. However, Intealth’s recent interactions suggest increased awareness among relevant officials of the educational and training pathways that IMGs follow.