Canadian visa issues for DO rez

[178061]

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I have no idea how the visa issue works. Anyone who is Canadian and has attended US med school: is there any issue when it comes to applying for US residency after doing a DO? From what I've read on Caribbean MDs, it is easier for US applicants coming back to land a residency because not all programs will sponser applicants for whatever visa is needed.

If you have a US DO and are applying for residency, is everyone applying on an even playing field?

 

[bravotwozero]

If you're a canuck applying for DO residencies, most, if not all of them, will not help you get a visa, or 'sponsor' you as it's more commonly known. which means you're SOL when applying to DO residencies.

As for allopathic residencies, some of them will help you get visas, as far as I know, but there aren't too many of them.

Thus, you need to be either a US citizen or permanent resident to match into most residency programs.

 

[PistolPete]

As far as I know, there are many allopathic residency programs that sponsor J-1 visas, and some that sponsor H1-B visas for Canadians (H1b's are better because you can later get a green card and don't have to go back to Canada for two years).

However, I don't know much about osteopathic residency programs. As far as I know, none really sponsor any visas, but I bet J-1 wouldn't be a problem since all it requires is a signature from the program director and ECFMG (or however its spelled) takes care of the rest. You can always avoid the "return home for 2 years requirement" by working for the VA, or by working in an underserved area for 3 years.

Hope that helps. Any Canadians out there in osteopathic residencies that could shed more light on this issue? DocBill, you out there?

In any case, getting a green card is the way to go! Good luck.

 

[178061]

As far as I know, there are many allopathic ...
In any case, getting a green card is the way to go! Good luck.

So is marrying an American the easiest route for that or are there other easy ways?

 

[bravotwozero]

Docbill's thrown in the towel man. He's left UNECOM for good.

 

[PistolPete]

That's too bad... what's he doing now? Still in medicine? Back home?

 

[bravotwozero]

My guess would be that he's back home.

 

[VCgirl]

Are you going to be starting a DO program? I wouldn't recommend it. I have been accepted to both MD and DO schools and I waited to get my green card (deferred admission) since it is really risky for either degree! I don't want to be starring almost $300,000 in debt...and even more if you get the "international" student loans and not being guaranteed a residency in the US. My boyfriend in at a DO school and was the reason that I applied there. I would also be nervous of getting a DO degree and having to head back north if the residency doesn't work out. I didn't check into this much, but is DO even recognized in Canada??? I am assuming that it is, but be aware of that fact. I never heard of a DO until about three years ago when my boyfriend was applying and I have been living in the US for 11 years.... My pre-med advisor never even told us about it. Go VC. To answer your question...yes, marriage would be an option if you go DO. Otherwise, I wouldn't even think of it.

 

[EhCdnGirl]

I have recently been accepted at a few D.O. programs and have heard of many Canadians doing the same as me, heading south to get a medical education. While I recognize my debt will be a bit higher do you really think so many Canadians would go down to the states knowing there was such a high risk of not getting anything beyond the degree (i.e. no residency opportunities). I am wondering whether contacting an admissions person would be useful?
Any further insight would be appreciated.
PS: Currently Ontario and BC recognize the DO degree and I would suspect with the shortage issues other provinces will follow suit!

 

[theserbatron]

i thought i remember reading that for full recognition in Ontario or BC, you must also complete an ACGME-approved residency. double check that as welll...

 

[PistolPete]

i thought i remember reading that for full recognition in Ontario or BC, you must also complete an ACGME-approved residency. double check that as welll...

I believe that is correct.