h1 timeline

[2cr8tive]

Im a canadian and a 4th year student at a caribbean school. im finishing med school mid april but will receive my diploma on may 1st. though i know it's hard, i still want to apply for h1 visa. i know i need ecfmg certification, then i should apply for step 3. do you think i can still make it?any help is much appriciated

[kananaskis_girl]

you applied this year for the match? yeah, it'll be a push, you may want to see if the programs will consider you for a delayed start. You need your ECFMG cert to apply to write Step 3 and then you need your passing Step 3 score to get the H1B....it'll be tight for diploma on May 1st...but go for it

[2cr8tive]

yeah im going for match this year. right now for me programs that sponsor h1 visa are on top of my list. but if i know that there is no way i can get h1 ontime, then i choose the program based on other things such as location and stuff. so your saying it's possible. that's good enogh for me. i will go for it. do u think i can apply for ecfmg without a diploma but a letter from school that i have finished all the requirement.

thanks

[kananaskis_girl]

no, ecfmg will require the diploma...like I said, let your top H1 choices know that there is a really good possibility that you won't be starting on time b/c you'll be waiting for your scores. You can still be there for all the orientation stuff at the beginning, you just won't be able to work until that visa comes through. And remember, the visa takes time as well. Be up front with the programs, they'll most likely appreciate it.

[aprillove20]

You will need your ECFMG cert to apply to write Step 3 and then you need your passing Step 3 score to get the H1B.

[little_indian_boy]

Hate to burst your bubble but most places want your passing score by match day.

But maybe you can talk to the programs individually - it's worth a shot since you have nothing to lose. At least you 'll be done with step 3 before residency even if you go on a J1.

[Godschosenone]

You wont be able to get it on time.

If you want a H1 visa you should have applied next year
after receiving your ecfmg certificate and taken step 3.

Like the post above, programs want score in hand before match.

I know a few Canadians who were able to do it
but they started residency late

[2cr8tive]

how late? i should be able to attend the orientation and take my vacation and since im canadian i hear after the scores are in, i only need to go to the border and get my visa ... so i still might be able to do this thing ...well hopefully

[kananaskis_girl]

you've already applied to the match, so use the money that you invested...yes, it will be VERY difficult to get the H1B, it is not impossible however, like I said, TALK to the programs you are interested in and who you believe really want you. Like I said above, you may have to delay your start until your score comes in, let the programs know. I know someone who delayed their start by one month waiting for their score (the PD basically put it down as their vacation time for the year, some programs give one month blocks of vacation). Any more than this, and the programs won't be happy....