Canadians matching in the U.S.

[litt]

Hello,

I'm a Canadian considering a few of the med schools in the carib. Just wondering if Canadians face any added obstacles in comparison to their U.S. peers (also studying in the carib) when applying for U.S. residencies.

Are there extra steps/tests that Canadians need to complete and if so what are they?

Thank you kindly,

[Andes]

Yes, there are extra obsticles Canadians have to face when trying to match in US.

We have issues with visa's since we are not american citizens or have greencards. You can get a greencard by marrying an american citizen, and I think it takes two years after that, or you can try to get a visa (J1 or H1). You can get either if the hospital sponsors you, H1 is better because you don't have to leave the country. So, canadians have less options then american citizens.

[maserati]

Yes, there are extra obsticles Canadians have to face when trying to match in US.

We have issues with visa's since we are not american citizens or have greencards. You can get a greencard by marrying an american citizen, and I think it takes two years after that, or you can try to get a visa (J1 or H1). You can get either if the hospital sponsors you, H1 is better because you don't have to leave the country. So, canadians have less options then american citizens.


Wo ... that sucks!
How do most canadians get in to residency then?
Is there a high % of canadians who don't get in ( Canada and US )?

[tpw2k]

I beleive it is not hard for canadians to get residencies but you will need hospital to sponsor you (i think most don't have a problem with that).

Also, we might be limited to the lower specialties...i dunno, iam aiming for anesthesiology so I know what I have to do...

Just do good on your USMLE and they won't have a problem taking a canadian eh...

[Andes]

tpw2k is rite, ur board score is the main thing. Also, in rotations if u make connections and get good recommendations that will help a lot too.

[Saba23]

Although Canadians from Saba had a wicked year matching in Canada, most still do match in the US. The biggest hurdle is the visa, best option being the J1 visa as it's gonna give you the most options when it comest to quality of residency program/competitive fields. Some programs will not even look at you if you want the H1 visa.

Every Canadian I know from Saba in the match this year got something, whether it was in the US or Canada.

Here's hoping they keep their tuition relatively cheap so us poor Canadians can go to med school rather than a masters/phd/research.

[litt]

all great advice and info ... thank you all .. keep it coming

[tpw2k]

my biggest concern about the j1 visa is what the heck am I to do in those 2 years?

[litt]

what do you mean when you say "not sure what you are gonna do for those 2 years" ??? can you explain a bit further this J1 visa stuff.

Do you apply for it before you apply for a residency or do you wait until you have matched ???

what is the two year delay that you speak of ???

[senz_asian]

my biggest concern about the j1 visa is what the heck am I to do in those 2 years?


If you agree to work in a medically underserved area in the U.S. you will be able to waive the 2 years going-back-home requirement. Most of Canadians do this for couple of years before being able to get a green card. Furthermore, US residency is recognized in most of provinces in Canada, you can go back home if you are recruited by Health Canada.


The only question, HOW DO YOU GO DIRECTLY INTO RESIDENCY IN CANADA. THIS IS MUCH MUCH MORE TOUGHER TO DO.

[tpw2k]

i don't mind working in underserved area, that would be a good thing actually until the green card arrives....or I could always marry an american girl :P

[harsy]

If you agree to work in a medically underserved area in the U.S. you will be able to waive the 2 years going-back-home requirement. Most of Canadians do this for couple of years before being able to get a green card. Furthermore, US residency is recognized in most of provinces in Canada, you can go back home if you are recruited by Health Canada.


The only question, HOW DO YOU GO DIRECTLY INTO RESIDENCY IN CANADA. THIS IS MUCH MUCH MORE TOUGHER TO DO.

CAN YOU PLZ describe a Medically underserved area in the U.S.?Is there a difference in the quality of education/medical training,$ or both,besides being away from an urban setting i guess...??thanks

[Saba23]

my biggest concern about the j1 visa is what the heck am I to do in those 2 years?

You can get a J1 waiver - not hard to get. And places like suburbs in KC even qualify. Laywers will help. Not a big deal.

You can do a fellowship in Canada.

You can work in Canada given that your US residency is of equivalent length or longer and you've passed the Canadian board exams, etc.

You can make your US Residency training equivalent to Canada's through Ontario's repatriation program.
Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care - Health Care Providers - Recruitment - Repatriation Program: Additional postgraduate training positions available (http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/ministry/recruit/rec_03/recruitment.html)


It takes a leap of faith for a Canadian to go to a Caribbean med school considering the cost (at least Saba is better for this) and the perceived risk.

Bottom line: If you don't have the balls, don't come.

[clive]

Is it difficult to obtain a spot in the repatriation program?

Also, if you get a J1 waiver, do you get to choose the underserved area you work in, or is it assigned to you?

[maserati]

GREAT QUESTION! Repatriation Program = difficulty?

[willywonka]

Can Canadians practice in Canada (ie Ontario or BC) after completing residency in US? I heard it's pretty darn hard.