Steps to Getting Your DS-2019

Initially appeared on doktorko.com 4/13/2006.

PART I: For applicants applying for the first time who are in the Philippines: 

STEP 1 (middle of March): Match (of course).

STEP 2 (March): schedule the appointment with the US Embassy.  Note the horrendous waiting and processing times of almost all the steps involved.  Calling in the middle of March will likely net you an appointment in late May or early June.  You want to schedule this as early as possible in the unfortunate event that you get DENIED - so that you can schedule another interview post-haste and don't get delayed too much.

STEP 3 (March-April): obtain SIX COPIES of your contract from your training program.

STEP 4 (April): go to the DOH and obtain your NTC.  Requirements, etc. linkified here.

STEP 5: (April): submit application materials for DS-2019 (requirements found here) to the ECFMG. Take note that they will take up to 2 months to process this, hence part of the logic behind step 2 above.

STEP 6 (April-May): Attend the seminar at the Commission for Filipino Overseas (address at this same page) and get their sticker placed on your passport.  Allegedly, without this sticker, you will not be able to leave the country.

STEP 7 (May-June): Receive your DS-2019.

STEP 8 (May-June): Interview at the US Embassy.  If you get denied, RESCHEDULE for the earliest possible date.

STEP 9 (June): Procure your ticket, throw a despedida party, and fly to the US.  Don't forget to sign up for a frequent-flyer program if you haven't already.

Related question: Do you need to get an "International License" do be able to drive in the US once you get there?
Answer: No.  Read this blog article.

Part II: For applicants who are applying for a renewal - almost the same procedure:  

STEP 1 (middle of March): obtain SIX COPIES of your contract from your training program.

STEP 2 (March): Obtain your NTC.  Requirements, etc. linkified here.

STEP 3: (March-April): Submit application materials for DS-2019 (requirements found here) to the ECFMG. Take note that they will take up to 2 months to process this.

STEP 4: (May-June): Receive your DS-2019.  You are now home free - until next year.