Program Quick Summary

Program Length

  • One year

Processing Time

  • About 3 months [More]

Eligibility [More]

  • Practitioners + 5 years of practice, or
  • Medical school professors, or
  • Medical researchers

Eligible Cities

  • Los Angeles Area (California)
  • New York City Area (New York)
  • Dallas or Houston Areas (Texas)

Overview

Bridging Borders in Healthcare Excellence

Learn from Renowned Medical Professionals

Be mentored by esteemed faculty, attending physicians, and chief residents at Stanley Prep's partner hospitals to gain invaluable insights into American healthcare practices.

Enhance Your Medical Knowledge

Refine and deepen your understanding of clinical procedures by joining daily and grand rounds, participating in diagnosis and treatment planning, and observing surgical procedures.

Develop Professional Communication Skills

Expand your professional communication and interaction skills through participation in evaluations and treatment planning, attendance in daily and grand rounds, and observing surgical procedures.

Highlights

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Collaborate with Renowned U.S. Medical Institutions and Experts

Engage with distinguished medical professionals at top-tier medical schools and hospitals in California, New York, and Texas. Participate in exclusive observational opportunities, seminars, and collaborative programs alongside experienced clinicians and researchers. Gain firsthand insights into the U.S. healthcare system while building a global medical network with leading faculty and specialists.

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Strong Recommendation Letters for U.S. Medical Career Advancement

By working closely with esteemed medical professionals throughout the program, participants can establish valuable connections and earn strong letters of recommendation. These recommendations can significantly enhance applications for U.S. residency programs, providing a crucial advantage for those pursuing a medical career in the United States.

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Fast and Streamlined Visa & Entry Support

As a U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 visa sponsor, Stanley Prep simplifies the complex invitation and visa application process, ensuring a smooth and expedited transition to a U.S. medical visiting scholar. Instead of standardized English exams, a brief English interview is all that is required, saving time and effort while making the process more accessible.

Our Services

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Guaranteed Placement at Leading U.S. Hospitals

U.S. hospitals are highly regulated and traditionally conservative about international medical collaborations. Only the largest hospitals engage in limited exchanges with top-tier international specialists. Stanley Prep ensures personalized matching with prestigious U.S. hospitals and research institutions, considering your specialty, experience, and research interests.

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Deep Understanding of the U.S. Medical System & Professional Growth

Participants will receive training on the U.S. healthcare system, medical ethics, and patient protection policies. They will also engage in diverse clinical research and medical conferences at their assigned hospital. Through 1:1 mentoring with leading specialists, scholars gain insights into the latest treatments and medical trends. Additionally, depending on availability, participants may contribute to ongoing research projects and academic activities, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

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Global Medical Network & Residency Recommendation Opportunities

Scholars will have opportunities to network with top medical professionals, attend hospital-hosted seminars and academic forums, and participate in internal meetings and research presentations. These connections can help build a strong global medical network. More importantly, forming relationships with senior specialists may lead to valuable recommendation letters for U.S. medical residency programs, providing a significant advantage for those seeking long-term career opportunities in the U.S.

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No Personal Connections Needed for Hospital Placement

Medical scholar placements in U.S. hospitals are often secured through personal networks, which may come with additional obligations. Stanley Prep directly collaborates with hospitals, enabling international medical professionals to secure visiting scholar positions at prestigious institutions without relying on personal connections. This allows participants to focus solely on research and professional development without unnecessary burdens.

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Comprehensive On-Site Support from Our U.S. Headquarters

To ensure a smooth transition and successful stay, Stanley Prep provides guidance on housing, local living conditions, visa maintenance, and research support. If unexpected challenges arise, our U.S. headquarters, with over a decade of experience assisting 500+ visiting scholars, offers reliable local assistance to address any urgent needs.

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Proven J-1 Research Scholar Visa Approval Strategy

Visa approval is a critical step in the medical visiting scholar process. The J-1 Research Scholar visa requires meticulous preparation, and very few organizations in Korea possess the necessary expertise. With a track record of over 500 successful J-1 Research Scholar visa approvals, Stanley Prep provides tailored strategies to ensure a smooth and successful visa process.

Guaranteed Placement at Leading U.S. Hospitals

U.S. hospitals are highly regulated and traditionally conservative about international medical collaborations. Only the largest hospitals engage in limited exchanges with top-tier international specialists. Stanley Prep ensures personalized matching with prestigious U.S. hospitals and research institutions, considering your specialty, experience, and research interests.

Deep Understanding of the U.S. Medical System & Professional Growth

Participants will receive training on the U.S. healthcare system, medical ethics, and patient protection policies. They will also engage in diverse clinical research and medical conferences at their assigned hospital. Through 1:1 mentoring with leading specialists, scholars gain insights into the latest treatments and medical trends. Additionally, depending on availability, participants may contribute to ongoing research projects and academic activities, gaining valuable hands-on experience.

Global Medical Network & Residency Recommendation Opportunities

Scholars will have opportunities to network with top medical professionals, attend hospital-hosted seminars and academic forums, and participate in internal meetings and research presentations. These connections can help build a strong global medical network. More importantly, forming relationships with senior specialists may lead to valuable recommendation letters for U.S. medical residency programs, providing a significant advantage for those seeking long-term career opportunities in the U.S.

No Personal Connections Needed for Hospital Placement

Medical scholar placements in U.S. hospitals are often secured through personal networks, which may come with additional obligations. Stanley Prep directly collaborates with hospitals, enabling international medical professionals to secure visiting scholar positions at prestigious institutions without relying on personal connections. This allows participants to focus solely on research and professional development without unnecessary burdens.

Comprehensive On-Site Support from Our U.S. Headquarters

To ensure a smooth transition and successful stay, Stanley Prep provides guidance on housing, local living conditions, visa maintenance, and research support. If unexpected challenges arise, our U.S. headquarters, with over a decade of experience assisting 500+ visiting scholars, offers reliable local assistance to address any urgent needs.

Proven J-1 Research Scholar Visa Approval Strategy

Visa approval is a critical step in the medical visiting scholar process. The J-1 Research Scholar visa requires meticulous preparation, and very few organizations in Korea possess the necessary expertise. With a track record of over 500 successful J-1 Research Scholar visa approvals, Stanley Prep provides tailored strategies to ensure a smooth and successful visa process.

Partner Hospitals

Stanley Prep has partnered with top hospitals in California, New York, and Texas, renowned for their excellence in patient care and medical education. We believe that the foundation of success lies in immersing yourself in an environment that nurtures your skills and promotes both personal and professional growth.

How to Apply

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The Visiting Physician Research Program is designed for medical professionals who meet the following criteria:

Licensed Physician

  • Applicants must hold a valid medical license in their home country.

Minimum of 5 Years of Clinical Experience

  • Candidates must have at least five years of clinical experience.

English Proficiency

  • Sufficient English communication skills are required for research activities and to qualify for a J-1 Research Scholar visa.
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Copy of Passport(s) (Including All Dependents)

University Transcripts and Copy of Diploma

Resume & Cover Letter

Research/Activities Plan

Proof of Employment (or Career Certificate)

Financial Statement

  • For a 1-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $50,000 (With more than 4 dependents, the financial statement must reflect more than $60,000)
  • For a 2-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $100,000

Proof of Health Insurance

Government-Issued Certificate of Participant and Dependent(s)

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Submit online application and a non-refundable application fee

  • Be prepared to submit official documentation which substantiates your education and employment qualifications.

Conduct a video interview to demonstrate English proficiency

  • English proficiency is a requirement for this program. The video interview usually lasts about 15 minutes. If the result of this assessment is not satisfactory, another assessment can be arranged after one month with a nominal fee.

Application Evaluation

  • Stanley Prep evaluates your complete application and issues a pre-acceptance decision within approximately 2 weeks. During this step, a Stanley Prep staff member may reach out with additional questions.

Receive a pre-acceptance letter, a program agreement, and a program fee invoice

  • Expect to receive the pre-acceptance package in an email. Please let us know if you don’t receive it within two weeks after the English assessment, and we will make sure to resolve the issues.

Submit an electronically signed program agreement, consent & waiver forms, and evidence of program fee payment

  • Follow the instructions in the pre-acceptance email to upload those electronically signed documents. Uploading the payment receipt you get from your bank would allow us to track your payment and expedite the process. Currently, we only accept a wire transfer of funds.

Submit all other required documents

  • We collect only minimal necessary information to determine our pre-acceptance at the beginning stage. At this stage, we need to collect all required documents and evidence for Stanley Prep to issue the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor) required for your J-1 visa.

Receive the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 forms

  • Your application and required documents are reviewed and processed. Please allow 2 months for document processing after the program fee is paid. Sometimes, a host organization may request additional documents or take more processing time during the peak seasons or staff vacations.

Make an appointment for your visa at nearby U.S. Embassy / Consulate

  • After making an appointment online, you need to attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy with the original DS-2019. Visa approval and issuance are at the discretion of the consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by city and time of year. On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.

The Visiting Physician Research Program is designed for medical professionals who meet the following criteria:

Licensed Physician

  • Applicants must hold a valid medical license in their home country.

Minimum of 5 Years of Clinical Experience

  • Candidates must have at least five years of clinical experience.

English Proficiency

  • Sufficient English communication skills are required for research activities and to qualify for a J-1 Research Scholar visa.

Copy of Passport(s) (Including All Dependents)

University Transcripts and Copy of Diploma

Resume & Cover Letter

Research/Activities Plan

Proof of Employment (or Career Certificate)

Financial Statement

  • For a 1-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $50,000 (With more than 4 dependents, the financial statement must reflect more than $60,000)
  • For a 2-year program, the financial statement must reflect more than $100,000

Proof of Health Insurance

Government-Issued Certificate of Participant and Dependent(s)

Submit online application and a non-refundable application fee

  • Be prepared to submit official documentation which substantiates your education and employment qualifications.

Conduct a video interview to demonstrate English proficiency

  • English proficiency is a requirement for this program. The video interview usually lasts about 15 minutes. If the result of this assessment is not satisfactory, another assessment can be arranged after one month with a nominal fee.

Application Evaluation

  • Stanley Prep evaluates your complete application and issues a pre-acceptance decision within approximately 2 weeks. During this step, a Stanley Prep staff member may reach out with additional questions.

Receive a pre-acceptance letter, a program agreement, and a program fee invoice

  • Expect to receive the pre-acceptance package in an email. Please let us know if you don’t receive it within two weeks after the English assessment, and we will make sure to resolve the issues.

Submit an electronically signed program agreement, consent & waiver forms, and evidence of program fee payment

  • Follow the instructions in the pre-acceptance email to upload those electronically signed documents. Uploading the payment receipt you get from your bank would allow us to track your payment and expedite the process. Currently, we only accept a wire transfer of funds.

Submit all other required documents

  • We collect only minimal necessary information to determine our pre-acceptance at the beginning stage. At this stage, we need to collect all required documents and evidence for Stanley Prep to issue the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor) required for your J-1 visa.

Receive the Invitation Letter and DS-2019 forms

  • Your application and required documents are reviewed and processed. Please allow 2 months for document processing after the program fee is paid. Sometimes, a host organization may request additional documents or take more processing time during the peak seasons or staff vacations.

Make an appointment for your visa at nearby U.S. Embassy / Consulate

  • After making an appointment online, you need to attend an appointment at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy with the original DS-2019. Visa approval and issuance are at the discretion of the consular official. Visa appointment and processing wait times vary by city and time of year. On average, this process takes 2-4 weeks. Up-to-date information can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.

Cost and Fees

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Program and insurance fees are mandatory for all programs.

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Program Fee$4,900
What is included:• Guaranteed placement
• Host organization matching
• Online interviews
• Proofreading of resume and cover letter
• Site checks
What’s NOT included:• Transportation to and from program location
• Housing & Meals
• Personal allowance
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Participants are required to have insurance through Stanley Prep. We offer three options for individual health insurance: Standard Lite for $60/month, Enhanced for $100/month, and Family Lite for $120/month. Accompanying family members on an F-2 may select either Standard Lite for $60/month or Family Lite for $120/month.

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Companies working with Cultural Vistas for the first time (or after a hosting gap of 3 years) must pay a one-time orientation fee. This fee covers vetting for eligibility and suitability and ensuring that your company meets the standards that are outlined by the U.S. Department of State for all J-1 Visa host companies. This fee is non-refundable and cannot be paid by the J-1 candidate. This is to guarantee that companies understand their responsibilities as a U.S. host company to a J-1 Visa holder (this includes training, supervision, evaluations to be completed by trainee and supervisor, etc). Once a company has hosted a successful training program, its registration is considered complete, and it can host subsequent programs. (A successful program is defined as a program during which both the mid-term and final evaluations were completed as required).  

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In-person site visits are required for companies with less than twenty-five full-time employees and less than $3 million in revenue. A host company can request an expedited site visit to be conducted within five days of application submission.
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All complete applications are processed in 4 – 6 weeks. Application evaluations can be completed in five or ten business days by choosing “expedited service” on the individual or host company application form.

5 business days – $1,500
10 business days – $1,350

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All exchange visitors traveling anywhere, excluding within the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, during their program must have their DS-2019 approved for travel.

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This fee applies to amendments and replacement of the DS-2019 form.  

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This fee applies if you request to extend the length of an active program.

Program Extension LengthFee
Up to 3 additional months$550
3 to 6 additional months$650
over 6 additional months$750
Expedited Program Extension: If an program extension application is submitted fewer than 10 business days prior to the original program end date, an additional $750 expedited fee will be incurred.
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This is the application fee for issuance of the DS-2019 Form for dependents of J-1 applicants. Extensions are available on a case-by-case basis.  

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Health insurance coverage is required for J-2 dependents. Accompanying family members on a J-2 visa may select either Standard Lite for $60/month or Family Lite for $120/month.

Don't Miss This Golden Opportunity!

Take the first step toward your future by enrolling in our programs. Apply today and experience a seamless enrollment process to kickstart your journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything You Need To Know

The program allows international physicians to observe and learn about American medical practices, enhance their clinical knowledge, and develop professional skills through structured observation and participation in academic discussions.
To apply, candidates typically need:
1. A minimum of 5 years of clinical experience.
2. Strong English communication skills.
3. Supporting documents, including a Certificate of Employment, research plan, and personal statement in English.
Yes, most participants require a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. We assist with the documentation process, including issuing DS-2019 forms through our visa sponsor.
Participants will:
1. Shadow physicians and medical professionals.
2. Observe clinical practices in outpatient and inpatient settings.
3. Attend Grand Rounds, seminars, and medical conferences.
Please note that direct patient care is typically restricted to observation.
The program duration is one year, offering participants a comprehensive experience to enhance their clinical and professional skills.
Costs typically include:
1. An administrative processing fee for the application.
2. Program operations and activities. (Travel, accommodation, and living expenses are NOT included in the program fee and should be covered by the participant).
3. Health insurance coverage as required by the host institution. Exact fees vary depending on the program and sponsoring organization.
Yes, dependents (spouse or children) can accompany you on J-2 visas. Additional financial proof may be required to show you can support them during your stay.
Some programs provide a certificate of participation upon successful completion, which can be useful for professional development and career advancement.
The typical process includes:
1. Submitting your application and required documents.
2. Reviewing and processing your application by the host institution.
3. Receiving acceptance and visa sponsorship documents.
4. Completing the visa application process.
Yes, all participants are required to have valid health insurance covering their duration in the U.S.
This program is self-financed, meaning participants are responsible for covering all costs.
You can begin your application by contacting our team or submitting your application through our website. We’ll guide you through every step of the process.

Still have questions?

Please leave us your question by clicking the button below. We will get back to you within 12 hours.
Or, try our chat in the bottom right corner of the window for an immediate answer. Our chat offers automatic translations.

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