Hello folks. What is the best time to take step 3 to be eligible for H1 visa. Do I need to have step3 results by Match? By the time ranking list is made? Or by the time the residency starts?

thanks!!

Well, let's work backwards. You will need H1 visa approved by the time residency starts. You need step 3 to apply for H1. With premium processing ($1000 extra I think) you can receive your visa in about 2 weeks. Step 3 results are released 6-8 weeks after taking the test. You do the math.

The visa application process would start after the match, so to be safe it would be best to have your step 3 results by this time but theoretically you don't need them until a couple weeks prior to start of residency.

A couple of of considerations: some programs want you to have passed step 3 by the time you APPLY to their program. They are not willing to take the chance that you fail later. Also, after getting H1 approved you then need to apply for a social security number which can take a couple weeks. While you can work without a SS#, you can't get paid.

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CanIMG
Moderator - Canadian IMG and Immigration Visa Forums

Thanks CanIMG. I already have SSN. I will try to take Step3 and get results before ROL is submitted. I guess it is the safest route right now.
Thanks again.

does that mean it is futile for me to consider applying for the 2010 match if i graduate april 2010 and am aspiring for the H1-B visa, being Canadian? I keep getting mixed views on that........is it worth a shot?

I will likely have the same dilemma, i.e. getting an H1B visa and starting residency the same year. At best, if I do my rotations without taking breaks, and I finish by October/November, I'll have time to get ECFMG certification, Step 3 approval, take the Step 3, and wait for the results (which would come out around end of January, according to my estimated timeline). For many programs, this should work. However, there are also program that want the Step 3 results by December 31 of the year prior to staring residency! So, working backwards, I'd have to graduate by September of the year prior to residency in order to have a shot at getting into and sponsored by the most residency programs. I'm actually considering taking my time with my rotations, and starting residency five years after beginning medical school.

Sorry to revive this thread but I am also in need on info concerning the H1B visa process! Can anyone help? Also, are there any H1B friendly hospitals out there? Or will pretty much no one go that route? Thanks!

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boy, you're worrying a long way ahead of the future.....yes, currently there are hospitals out there that offer H1B visa's (primarily university-based programs) but that may change in 4 years when you're applying for residency.....

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SGU Forum Moderator

Yup...I am very ODD...and can't live w/o a plan since I have time now to make timelines and think about this.....well, I try to do it!

Thanks!

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lol, nah, it's ok, you should know what options are available to you, but understand that the system is fluid and there may be multiple changes before you even get to the application point, hopefully those changes will be for the better (on both the US and Canadian sides....)

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SGU Forum Moderator

HA! I said ODD ... meant OCD ... but I must admit I am ODD sometimes as well... rokshana could vouch for that

Just hate the fact that I might lose a year before I can d residency. I need to get my GC before...that would help... fingers crossed... and NO I don't mean marrying an American! I have other plans

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