​Update Regarding the Temporary Emergency Foreign Physician Licensure Program

At this time, new applications are no longer being accepted, and pending applications are currently on hold as the Division’s temporary emergency licensure programs undergo review.  We thank all applicants for their willingness to serve in this difficult time, and understand that the current unavailability of additional licenses may be disappointing to those willing to assist New Jersey residents during this public health emergency.  

New Jersey’s Temporary Emergency Foreign Physician Licensure Program was the first of its kind in the country, and the Program has allowed a number of foreign-licensed physicians to put their skills to use in New Jersey’s fight against COVID-19. To administer this novel program, the Division of Consumer Affairs collaborated with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) to determine whether applicants met specified criteria necessary for licensure. In many cases, unfortunately, applicants were unable to provide all of the information necessary to establish their eligibility, and the Division and ECFMG were unable to obtain the necessary information from abroad during the pandemic.

All submitted applications and materials are being kept on file should the Division resume the program at a later date. In the interim, any person who believes that they are eligible for a standard plenary license is encouraged to apply; additional information is available here.



The State of New Jersey is issuing temporary, emergency licenses to foreign-licensed physicians so that they may provide essential healthcare services during the current public health emergency.  The Board of Medical Examiners is now issuing these licenses to physicians holding plenary, unrestricted licenses in good-standing in other countries.

To be eligible for a temporary emergency license during the public health emergency, a foreign-licensed physician must:

  • Hold a current, valid, unrestricted license (or licenses) to practice medicine in a foreign country;

  • Have at least five years of experience practicing clinical medicine under the license(s);

  • Have practiced clinical medicine at some time within the last five years (i.e., between 2015 and 2020);

  • Be lawfully present and eligible to work in the United States (requirement under federal law);

  • Complete an application, which will require submission of a copy of the medical license; and

  • Certify to the accuracy of statements and documents submitted as part of the application.

When working under this license, foreign-licensed physicians will be limited to providing in-person, clinical medical services in a New Jersey DOH-licensed facility  (e.g., hospital, field hospital, long-term care facilities) or other location designated as an emergency health care center by the Commissioner of Health.

Please click here for FAQs which have additional information on the Temporary Emergency Foreign Physician Licensure Program.

Click here for complete instructions on how to register for an account to begin the application process. When applying, you must select "Medical Examiners" as your profession and "INTL Physician Temporary License" as your license type.


Last Modified: 6/23/2022 10:56 AM