The state license laws
Since 2023, a growing group of states licenses experienced international physicians without a US residency. This page is deliberately careful: the laws are new, different in every state, and easy to overread.
Last verified 2026-08-27. These programs change fast: confirm everything with the state board before acting.
More than 17 states have enacted some version of these laws, and the list keeps growing. Programs differ so much between states that only the board of the state you care about can tell you what applies to you.
Three examples, not a catalog
Florida
An active foreign license, at least 4 years of practice and ECFMG certification, plus a Florida employer. The license starts restricted and tied to that employment, with a path to full licensure after 2 years.
Florida Board of MedicineTennessee
The first state to pass this kind of law. Requires postgraduate training or recent practice abroad and a Tennessee employer, with a supervised period before an unrestricted license.
Tennessee Board of Medical ExaminersVirginia
A provisional license for physicians with years of foreign practice, generally aimed at underserved areas, with a path to full licensure.
Virginia Board of MedicineRead this before planning around these laws
A license is not a visa. None of these laws grants immigration status: you still need an employer able to sponsor you and an immigration route that an attorney should evaluate.
Several states have passed the law but have not finished the rules, so they are not yet accepting applications. Passed does not mean open.
These licenses usually start restricted: tied to one employer, one setting and a supervision period. Read the conditions before building your plan on them.
Board certification and hospital privileges can still require more than the license itself. The law opens a door, not every door.