I hear all this talk abt finding out what is the percentage of a school's graduates that obtain a residency in the U.S.? I understand that it is a good indicator of a school's success rate (the good schools have rates of over 90%). However, as a Canadian, I feel that number doesn't really mean as much to me given that the majority of students are US citizens. Am I wrong here? If not, is there any info on or does anyone have an idea as to what the chances are of Canadians in schools such as Ross, Saba, etc getting US residencies?

I know frm the NRMP site that approximately 50% of non-US FMGs are matched. That's a long way from over 90%. I assuming the chances are considerably higher coming frm a good Caribbean school because of the advantage of having followed a curriculum close to the of the US (USMLE scores, letters of rec, etc). Also intersting is the fact that US FMGs had a similar placement rate.

Please let me know what to make of all of this. I'm still weighing my options and the only serious doubt I have abt applying for a Carribean med school (or any other for the matter) is getting a residency.

Thanks

From what I have gathered; it is certain that a Canadian Citizen have to apply to either H1-B visa or J Visa. Having said many times H1-B visa is a better one. I have heard that it is easier to get a H1-B visa if you are a Canadian citizen. To get an H1-B visa you have to get an ECFMG certificate, Pass an English exam and a diploma from an IM school. Once you have that.....than the struggle to find a residency spot that accept IMGs with an H1-B visa begins. From what I have heard and read you end up wasting 4 to 8 months to get a residency. There is a very good web site that explains how to get a residency and which medical hospitals are open for H1-B IMGs.
The web site is:
http://usmile.us/resstep.htm
I hope this information helps, from what I have heard and found out…..if you have a good USMLE score...than you wont face a problem...its only the low marks that causes no-matches...hope this helps,

Siddman