Difficulty for Canadians to get U.S. Residency?

[vfoors]

I was recently talking to a 2003 Grad of Saba from Canada. He has had great difficulty getting a residency in Canada. He did not apply to the U.S. for residency. I have no doubt that it is currently more difficult to match in Canada. He did mention that it was also more difficult for a Canadian to match in for a U.S. residency because of immigration and Visa requirements. He also said it is much easier to get a U.S. residency as a Saba grad if you are a U.S. citizen. Are there any Canadian Saba grads in U.S. residencies who can shed more light on this?

[miasma]

yeah, i think most know that as canadians, it is more difficult to land a u.s. residency due to visa issues (programs must sponser...less programs one can apply to etc.) but it is far from impossible, and is a reasonable goal from what i understand and have heard.
btw, did this 2003 grad actually match in canada?

[vfoors]

He has so far not been able to match, but he has had some interviews recently and is hoping to match this year.

I guess I just wanted to know as a Canadian, as a general rule, is there a reasonable possibility that I will not be able to match to a U.S. residency, or is generally more likely that I will eventually be able to match?

Thanks

[miasma]

personally, i would DEFINITELY apply for u.s. residencies as well as canadian ones, because visa or no visa issue, matching in the u.s. is far easier than at home, as sad as that sounds.

[McGillGrad]

You will absolutely get a US spot as long as you have good board scores, LORs and are willing to go to less popular program (either due to geography or other reasons).

[miasma]

You will absolutely get a US spot as long as you have good board scores, LORs and are willing to go to less popular program (either due to geography or other reasons).
yeah, this is what i have been told both by students, grads, and local docs.

[vfoors]

Then is there still a reasonable possibility, with good USMLE scores and good LORs, to get a more competitive residency such as surgery?

[2cr8tive]

how about practice after residency, how possible is it?

[McGillGrad]

Then is there still a reasonable possibility, with good USMLE scores and good LORs, to get a more competitive residency such as surgery?

Well seeing that surgery had a 98% fill rate in the last match it will be difficult but very possible if you are competitive enough. Remember that as an FMG, you will have to outperform a US grad to get the same spot.

[McGillGrad]

how about practice after residency, how possible is it?

IN what sense?