Overview
Most SGUSOM clinical training takes place in the US and the UK. Depending on their citizenship and immigration status, students may require a visa or other immigration authorization to participate in clinical training in these countries. After hospital placement has been confirmed, the Office of Clinical Education Operations provides students with supporting documentation for the applicable visa or immigration process.
Students should not apply for immigration authorization for clinical training until they have followed the guidance provided by the Office of Clinical Education Operations and received the appropriate supporting documentation.
Clinical Training in the US
Eligible SGUSOM clinical students participate in clinical training in the US under the B-1 (Visitor for Business) visa classification. As a non-US based institution, SGUSOM does not sponsor F-1 or M-1 status for clinical training.
SGUSOM clinical students may qualify for B-1 status as students enrolled in a foreign medical school who seek temporary entry into the US to complete unpaid medical clerkships at SGU-affiliated hospitals. The affiliated hospital must also maintain an affiliation with a US medical school.
B-1 is a temporary nonimmigrant visa classification. The period for which a student is admitted to the US is determined by the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry and recorded on the student's Form I-94. The authorized stay may be limited to six months or a shorter period.
Students should generally apply for a US visa in their country of nationality or residence. SGUSOM students in Grenada often apply through the US Embassy in Barbados. Because visa application requirements and locations may change, students should contact immigrationsupport@sgu.edu for the most current guidance before applying.
Canadian citizens generally do not apply for a B-1 visa through a US embassy or consulate in Canada. Instead, they request admission to the US in B-1 visitor status at a land border crossing or airport. Canadian students who reside in Canada while completing clinical training in Michigan may also wish to obtain NEXUS membership to facilitate eligible border crossings.
International students enrolled in a USMLE preparatory course conducted in the US may be eligible for sponsorship for a US student visa by the educational institution offering the preparatory course.
Clinical Training in the UK
SGUSOM clinical students participating in clinical training in the UK for more than 6 months may be sponsored by SGISM Ltd for a UK Student visa. Students participating in clinical training in the UK for 6 months or less may participate under the UK Standard Visitor route.
Clinical Training in Canada
US citizens do not require a study permit to participate in clinical training in Canada that lasts 6 months or less. Additional information is available on the Government of Canada website.
Required Documents for US Clinical Training
Students must not apply for a visa or attempt to enter the US for clinical training without the following documents:
- SGU Visa Support Letter
For assistance, contact VisaLetters@sgu.edu.
- Hospital Visa Support Letter
The letter must show the student's current or future clinical placement.
Together, these letters confirm that the student is enrolled in good standing at SGUSOM, describe the Clinical Studies phase of the MD curriculum, and identify the assigned hospital and training dates.
These letters are issued after the student has passed USMLE Step 1 and/or hospital placement has been confirmed.
After receiving the SGU Visa Support Letter from the Office of the University Registrar, students are responsible for contacting the clinical site directly to obtain the Hospital Visa Support Letter. Hospital contact information is available on the Clinical Hospitals page of the SGU Portal.
Entering the US
Students should be prepared to demonstrate that they will not receive compensation during clinical training, have sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay, and intend to return to their home country after completing their education.
After admission to the US, students must access and review their electronic I-94 record by selecting "Get Most Recent I-94" on the CBP I-94 website. Students should confirm:
- Admission in B-1 status
- The admit-until date
- Accuracy of their name, passport information, and other admission details
Students admitted incorrectly in B-2 status should immediately contact a CBP Deferred Inspection Site or the port of entry where they were admitted to request correction to B-1 status. Admission errors should be addressed promptly while the student is in the US. Failure to maintain the appropriate immigration status may jeopardize future visa applications or admission to the US.
General Information
Visa approval and admission to the US cannot be guaranteed. Decisions regarding visa issuance are made by US consular officers, and decisions regarding admission are made by CBP officers at the port of entry. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation may delay or jeopardize a visa application or admission.
The authorized period of stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry and is recorded as the admit-until date on the student's I-94 record. Students must review their I-94 record after each admission to confirm the authorized period of stay.
Visa validity and authorized stay are different. Visa validity indicates the period during which a student may use the visa to seek admission to the US. The admit-until date on the I-94 indicates how long the student is authorized to remain in the US following a particular admission.
A B-1 visa may be valid for multiple entries over several years. However, each admission is authorized separately for a limited period, as shown on the student’s I-94 record. Students are responsible for maintaining valid immigration status and departing the US before their authorized stay expires. Failure to do so may jeopardize future visa applications or admission to the US.
Travel During Clinical Training
Students planning international travel during clinical training must notify their hospital coordinator at least two weeks before departure and consult SGU Immigration Support regarding current re-entry requirements.
Students must carry the SGU Visa Support Letter and Hospital Visa Support Letter when seeking re-entry to the US. After re-entry, students should review their updated I-94 record to confirm admission in B-1 status and the authorized period of stay.
Additional Information
For additional information regarding immigration requirements for clinical training in the US or UK, students should refer to the SGU Clinical Portal and contact ImmigrationSupport@sgu.edu.