Applying cardiology fellowship on H1 visa with pending green card - Should I wait another year?

[stefan95]

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Hi everyone,
I am a PGY-2 at one of the larger university programs (~top 20-30). Being an IMG from Europe, I am currently training on an H1B visa, though I had my NIW approved last year and am pending submission of adjustment of status for my green card, which should hopefully be finalized early 2025. My question is: How risky is it to apply this year being on the H1B visa, or how much higher would my chances be applying while having the green card? I am aiming for a larger university program. (Stats: Steps 256/246/230, >10 pubs).
Thanks for your help!

 

[Imtocardio]

You should apply for sure. Wise not to waste a year especially given the competition becoming worse with each passing year. You also stand to lose a year of cardiologist salary if you start late, even if it is just 1 year. Since you are from a large university program with good scores and decent pubs, the chances of you matching at a good university program are pretty high. And most university programs sponsor H1B visas. Once you match and start your fellowship, you can adjust status and then apply to other super fellowships based on your interest

 

[ROBINHO]

you seem to be a strong candidate. The visa issue will limit you. If your goal is to get into cardiology at all cost then apply. If you are targeting very strong academic centers - your choices will be limited with an H1B visa.

 

[deleted1190329]

The visa is a big factor unlike anyone might say you otherwise. It is a rate limiting factor. But If you opt for J visa you should have good/reasonable chance to match. But then the NIW could stand in the way of getting J1 approved. But you may never know, your green card could get approved meanwhile as well. When you get the green card your options are 100% in regards to application. By all means apply, you stand to have good chance either way.

 

[Karlic]

Hi everyone,
I am a PGY-2 at one of the larger university programs (~top 20-30). Being an IMG from Europe, I am currently training on an H1B visa, though I had my NIW approved last year and am pending submission of adjustment of status for my green card, which should hopefully be finalized early 2025. My question is: How risky is it to apply this year being on the H1B visa, or how much higher would my chances be applying while having the green card? I am aiming for a larger university program. (Stats: Steps 256/246/230, >10 pubs).
Thanks for your help!

H1b is a big minus for you. I have heard directly from fellowship PDs saying they will rank anyone with H1b on the bottom.

 

[stefan95]

Thank you all for your answers. As far as I read this, it seems a little bit controversial, which is also the case when I talk to faculty fellows etc. I did notice: A good amount of the renowned academic institutions do sponsor H1B visas according to their website - so I guess my questions is: If these programs do indicate that they sponsor H1B visa, would they still rank me lower or be less likely to interview me because of my visa, even though they state that they sponsor it (for instance, because I would be more costly as a fellow?). Or is it safe to assume that this will not matter to much at programs who indicate that they sponsor H1 visa?

 

[deleted1190329]

h1b is extra money that GME dont want to loose. Think that way!