Hello all,

I am a Canadian and currently at SGU and I will graduate in Dec 2009(I started in the Jan class of 2006). I wanted to know if it is possible or if you know of anyone in my situation that has been able to acquire the H1-b visa in time to start residency in the following year. So in my case it would be July 2010.

Essentially I will have about 6 months total from the time I graduate to get the ecfmg certificate, pass step 3, match, and get the H1-b visa, then start residency in July.

Also are there any of the above items that have to be completed before the MATCH in mid March.

Thank you for your time.

there are many out there that have been in your situation and successfully rolled into residency.

the sooner you get everything done, the better.

But no, nothing of what you mentioned needs to get done before MATCH.

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Ross University Forum Moderator

Dr.A.
PGY-3 Pathology Resident

i'm not contradicting what alpathmd said, i'm just trying to figure things out for myself as well.

i've read that before the match, you would need to get your MD from the school, get the ECFMG certificate, pass USMLE step 3, apply for residencies, and interview for residencies, all before the match in March. and then after the match, you need to get a state license, then get your residency program to help you get the H1b visa, then enter the US and get a SSN, and THEN start residency

phewf

Was my understanding also that STEP 3 ect needed to be completed before the match and that you needed a placement in order to apply for the H1b

Step 3 doesn't have to be completed before the match. Also, you can't apply to take Step 3 until you have your diploma.

yah that's what i said but the next poster makes a good point. the way i see it, it makes sense to get STEP3 as soon as possible so you can tell the residency programs that you have it, which may increase your chances of getting a residency, so come match time, you'll be matched up with a residency program (placement)

but, strictly speaking, i think STEP3 is only required to be eligible for an H1b visa, not a residency program, so conceiveably, you can get matched up, and then pass STEP3, and then get your residency program to help you get the H1b visa...but this doesn't seem likely, because i doubt any hospital would give you a residency spot, knowing that you need an H1b visa, and knowing that you need STEP3 to be eligible for an H1b visa, and knowing that you do not at the time of matching, have STEP3 completed.

so really, i think you should have STEP3 before the match. and of course, you need a state license before being able to get the H1b

oh and that's true, you can't take STEP3 before getting your MD. you need to get your MD, then get your ECFMG, then you can register for the STEP3.

to KluverB, for americans and those who want a J-1 visa, the match can occur before STEP3. most people take STEP3 after a year of residency, but what i'm talking about regarding the H1b is specific to non-us citizens (like canadians) who want an H1b visa so they can stay in the US after residency, and then get a green card, etc etc.

Thanks nquery......that's what I was trying to say.