Hi guys , I am applying this year for ophtha and prelim year , lets say that I didnt match into ophtha and I matched into prelim on J 1 visa , so I wana apply for next ophtha match ,,,but my Q do I have to go back for 2 years after my prelim year ????

I think that if you match in prelim you can get a J1 cause its a primary care specialty, but if they then match in ophthalmology then you would have to go back because you accepted the terms of J1 visa which is primary care and 2 year waiver. I have never seen ophtho listed as a primary care field, its a specialty.

Val

Huh? I had no idea that J1 has provisions that it has to be primary care.

It depends on which country you are from. Different countries have differing requirements for issuing statement of need in support of your J1. Being Canadian, I know that each province has a list of specialties that they are willing to support, and this list changes each year. Ontario is pretty much willing to support any specialty. I'm looking at the list now, and although optho is not on listed, Ontario is willing to support upto 125 applications in any specialty on a first come, first served basis. After the 125, they will give preference to their listed specialties. I would email Health Canada to get the list for your home province.

After your prelim year, you would simply apply to transfer your J1 visa to your new institution.