"kamruz" wrote:
What about the ECFMG? Are they checking your visa status and your passport if you show up on the exam day? If they don't care about these things then I might attach to my plans and save the money and the troubles with apllying for a student visa (J1?).

You are responsible for making the necessary travel and accommodation arrangements. If you are neither a U.S. citizen nor U.S. lawful permanent resident, you are responsible for obtaining required travel documents. These documents may include a visa to enter the United States. The requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. embassies and consulates regarding issuance of visas and travel to and from the United States are subject to change. You should review current requirements before applying for a visa. For additional information, visit the DHS website and the embassies and consulates page of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Upon request, ECFMG provides Step 2 CS applicants with a letter that may assist during the process of applying for a visa. The letter indicates that the applicant is registered for Step 2 CS, one of the exams required for ECFMG Certification. The letter also indicates that the applicant is required to travel to the United States to take the exam and provides the date by which the applicant must complete the exam. You can request this letter when you apply for Step 2 CS. ECFMG will send the letter to you via postal mail after completion of the registration process.

If you are traveling from a distant location, you should consider arriving a day or two prior to taking Step 2 CS in order to be rested for the assessment.