October 18, 2024

International Medical Graduate
Section Newsletter

OSMA IMG Members,

Your section leadership wanted to share an important update on advocacy work we have been working on this summer. We are excited to bring this news to you and those interested in coming to Ohio. This is just the start of our work. With the advocacy strength of the OSMA, we know we can accomplish much more. Thank you for being a member. We look forward to working together.

Recent ODH Communication
on Visa Waiver Program

Earlier this summer the OSMA IMG leadership met virtually with ODH representatives to discuss the implementation of the Ohio State 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program. After the meeting we sent a formal communication to ODH with three specific requests that we believe will help facilitate better implementation of the program.

We wanted to share the requests with you and ODH’s responses.

  1. Move the deadline to the beginning of the year to encourage earlier applications. This would encourage applicants/sponsors to apply earlier and therefore be informed earlier in the year regarding acceptance to provide more planning time prior to residency/fellowship ending.

    • ODH has moved the deadline to Jan. 31 for the 2025 application cycle.Learn More Here >

  2. Sharing information with the OSMA IMG Section of the employers that have routinely, over the last several years, been a sponsor so we can help publicize to interested candidates those employers/sponsors that have experience using the program.

  3. Create an educational resource (perhaps a 30 minute or so webinar) with presentations from IMGs that have gone through the process, sponsoring employers, ODH and perhaps any other interested groups.

    • ODH agreed to participate and we are working on creating this program.
      If you are interested in participating please let us know info@osma.org.


We believe this partnership initiated by the OSMA IMG section leadership will benefit participants moving forward. We look forward to continuing working on these and other issues on behalf of IMGs in Ohio.

View Updates at Your Section Webpage >

Membership Renewal Note:
For any questions regarding your 2025 membership renewal, please email Peggy Sears.

~ Your IMG Section Leadership

IMG leaders