IDFPR Announces New Pathway to Full Licensure for Internationally Trained Physicians!

September 19, 2025

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced a new licensure process last week that will allow certain International Medical Graduate (IMG) physicians, who were not previously eligible, to obtain full licensure and provide their services to the people of Illinois pursuant to ISMS-backed legislation Public Act 103-0102 (Page 351).

The journey to full licensure is a three-step process:

1. Internationally trained physicians, who meet the criteria, must first apply for an “International Medical Graduate Limited License.” During a two-year period, IMGs must practice with this license under the supervision of a fully licensed physician at an approved sponsoring institution.
2. Next, the IMG would apply for an “International Medical Graduate Restricted License,” which would allow for a more independent practice during a two-year period within designated healthcare professional shortage areas and populations.
3. Finally, these IMGs become eligible to apply for a full Illinois medical license.

“The physicians of ISMS send our thanks to the governor, the members of the Illinois General Assembly, and IDFPR for recognizing the need to expand the physician workforce in the state,” said ISMS President Richard C. Anderson, M.D.

To get started, internationally trained physicians can apply for the first step on IDFPR’s CORE web page. ISMS encourages all potential applicants to review the qualifications for licensure under this new medical license category. The qualifications can be found here.

If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by email.