Licensure for International Medical Graduates
What is the new law permitting limited licenses for IMGs?
In 2023, ISMS-backed legislation Public Act 103-0102 was enacted, which provides a pathway for IMGs without a ACGME accredited two-year residency to obtain a medical license. The law states that after January 1, 2025, an international medical graduate physician may apply to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) for a limited license.
What are the rules governing the new licensure pathway for IMGs?
IDFPR is required to adopt administrative rules establishing qualifications and application fees for the limited licensure of international medical graduate physicians. The rules created by the Department shall also provide a pathway to full licensure for limited license holders after the licensee successfully completes a supervision period and satisfies other qualifications as established by the Department.
As of August 2024, no rules have yet been issued to implement this new law, which goes into effect on January 1, 2025. Once the rules are finalized, hospitals, healthcare facilities and medical practices will start accepting supervised opportunities for IMGs, but until those rules are published, no IMGs will be able to apply for a limited license or apply to a supervisory program.
How long will the supervisory period be for the IMG licensure pathway?
It is our understanding that the supervision period will be no less than two years, but this is subject to change once the rules have been published.
When can I begin my pathway toward IMG licensure in Illinois under the new law?
Once the rules are finalized, hospitals, healthcare facilities and medical practices will start accepting supervised opportunities for IMGs. Until those rules are published, no IMGs will be able to apply for a limited license or apply to a supervisory program.
How can I seek assistance with my Illinois medical license as an IMG?
ISMS also supported Public Act 103-0537, which requires IDFPR to employ a full-time ombudsman who can assist IMG applicants in answering questions and providing information regarding the foreign education requirements for licenses administered by the Department. This ‘ombudsman’ is also responsible for coordinating with personnel of the Department in processing applications from international applicants and providing education and information resources to community organizations that assist international applicants. This office is just now up and running, and you can reach out to the Ombudsman for assistance with any international licensure related issues:
International Licensing Liaison
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
fpr.InternationalLicense@illinois.gov
How will Public Act 103-0725 affect licensure for IMGs?
In 2024, Governor Pritzker signed Public Act 103-0725, which will make it easier for international doctors to practice in the state. This legislation creates a clinical readiness program beginning in 2026 to help doctors trained internationally find a residency program or a supervised arrangement in Illinois, which they need to complete their licensing requirements.
Membership in the Illinois State Medical Society conveys many benefits and resources for IMGs, including membership in our International Medical Graduate Section. We have a special membership category for international trained physicians called “transitional medical graduate” that is available to physicians who have not obtained licensure. Our IMG Section offers networking opportunities and educational programing tailored to the needs of IMGs. ISMS members can also access direct access to ISMS resources related to navigating the licensure process. Become an ISMS member today!