There’s actually a lot of confusion about how to obtain a Medical License/Residency in the US, especially to IMGs (International Medical Graduates). The fact that there are certain visas that are required for entrance of the country (for taking Step 2 CS exam primarily) is sort of frustrating for those who had never had an experience with such routine processes. Moreover, an IMG would be undecided on whether to take Step 1 exam or Step 2 exam first.

First off, it’s highly recommended that you prepare and review for the USMLE while you’re still in school rather than after graduation.

If you’re confused as to what sources to review from, here are a few that would be of very usefulness and high-yield value:

1. Kaplan Medical Videos (It’s not difficult to get them in Egypt, for instance. They’re highly important.)
2. Kaplan Lecture Notes (accompanying the videos)
3. Kaplan Q Book (for revision at the end of reviewing)
4. First Aid Book (for quick reviewing from time to time)

So here’s a supposedly easy and clear scheme that I’ve written defining the recommended steps.
It has been approved by members from prep4usmle.org forums.

In your country:

- Take Step 1 (after completion of the basic sciences course in your school)
- Take Step 2 CK (after completion of the clinical course in your school)
- Obtain a B1 or B2 visa (from the American embassy closest to you) — (valid for 6 months upon entry)
- Travel to the US

In the U.S.:

- Take Step 2 CS [at one of the 5 locations]

• Philadelphia, PA
• Atlanta, GA
• Los Angeles, CA
• Chicago, IL
• Houston, TX

- Apply for ECFMG –> Obtain the ECFMG certificate
- Take Step 3 [in one of the 13 states that do not require postgraduate experience]

• Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Nebraska, New York, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia.

- Apply for a full medical license –> Obtain the license
- Obtain a H1B visa
- Apply for Recidency (the Match) – thru ERAS
- Attend residency interviews –> get a job
- Take speciality board exam