Thread: What is more preferred- J1 or H1b

So I am a canadian citizen applying for the match this year and i am really confused about somthing. Anyhow the thing is that I just got done wtih school and got my certification and all too and I have had a few interviews but I am thinking worst case scenario- If i have to go through the scramble- WHat would look more appealing on my my application- A successful completion of the step 3 and also i can apply for like the H1b visa or a successful completion of the canadian visa and I can apply for the J1 visa which is less of a hassle for the program??? I really wanted to get at least one of those exams done by march So was just trying to find out which one would be more beneficial and I don't know if i can get them BOTH done..Thanks


g..

I'm a fourth-year med student like yourself, Canadian, waiting for my degree at this point.

My understanding is, from a strictly visa sponsorship side of things, the J1 is preferred. Programs have a higher cost-burden when it comes to the H1B, which is why they tend to shy away from it. Not sure what specialty you're looking at, but those in IM thinking of doing fellowships, H1B limits you more because fellowship programs also tend to shy away from it. The J1 puts you i n a better spot. The good thing about the H1B though is you can moonlight(assuming the program lets you). J1 folks can't , at the programs I've looked at.

With regards to IMG's looking more competitive because they've completed Step 3, I'm not a 100% sure on that. Intuitively, it would seem that if all your steps are done (and done well, or atleast consistent score wise), then you're a low-risk candidate, which would bode well. The flip side that I've heard is if the score's worse than your Step 2, could be an issue. This is what I've heard from speaking with PD'S on the interview trail.

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can comment on this. My take would be, the best scenario is, you take all your Steps and do well on them. You're a good-choice candidate, probably stand out among the img's, and IF the program gives you the option of doing the H1B AND you want to do it, the option's open.

the MCCEE would probably be a lot easier than the Step 3, its a four hour exam, a healthy dose of randomness in there, but not too bad, and if you're not doing CARMS, you just need to pass it.

Can some of the Canadians please shed some light on the actual process of obtaining residency in Canada as an IMG?

thanks!

Unfortunately I dont' have anything positive to say about IMG's matching in Canada.
My stats: Born Canadian, MSc from UofT, MD from Caribbean, 3.9 Grade point from med school, all steps done (92,99,90), great LORs...
Canadian Interviews (IM): 0, American Interviews (IM): 10

Now that being said, contacts go a loooonnnggggg way. Definitely know people who have matched with contacts in Canada, and with lower stats than myself.

Rotations in Canada may or may not help, as I know people who have lots of Canadian rotations - no match, and minimal rotations - match....contacts once again.

Did you get a residency after all? I'm interested to hear how it turned out

Originally Posted by drj2b

Unfortunately I dont' have anything positive to say about IMG's matching in Canada.
My stats: Born Canadian, MSc from UofT, MD from Caribbean, 3.9 Grade point from med school, all steps done (92,99,90), great LORs...
Canadian Interviews (IM): 0, American Interviews (IM): 10

Now that being said, contacts go a loooonnnggggg way. Definitely know people who have matched with contacts in Canada, and with lower stats than myself.

Rotations in Canada may or may not help, as I know people who have lots of Canadian rotations - no match, and minimal rotations - match....contacts once again.

This is scary.

What do you mean by contacts? What kind of contacts? Would you mind to share?