Matched - Visa questions

[DoctorDuck13]

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Hey guys, first time posting so please forgive if this isn't the right area but I though its a pretty general question. I am a non-US citizen and was fortunate to match. I noted on my ERAS application that I was going to apply for a visa. At what point in the residency process does this get started? Will the program reach out to me or should I be bugging them for it?

 

[NotAProgDirector]

YOu should contact your program, now. If you're getting a J visa you'll do most of the heavy lifting via the ECFMG, but your program will need to confirm your employment with the ECFMG so they can complete the J visa process. You'll also need Statement of Need from your home country, which you should start the process of obtaining ASAP. If you're getting an H, your program should start the process immediately because it takes awhile -- in that case they will do the heavy lifting. Either way, ask now!

 

[Animalcules]

Hurry, time is running against you. J-1 is out of the programs hands, so needs to be started asap to start in time. H1b can be expedited once filed (2wks), but the process before that can take 2 months (case at my program).


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[UBC2014]

Hey guys, first time posting so please forgive if this isn't the right area but I though its a pretty general question. I am a non-US citizen and was fortunate to match. I noted on my ERAS application that I was going to apply for a visa. At what point in the residency process does this get started? Will the program reach out to me or should I be bugging them for it?

What is your citizenship? Did you do your med degree in the US at a USMD or USDO program? Only if you did this, will you have the availability of the OPTI-visa(referring to your other post)

 

[DoctorDuck13]

Canadian with us md on f1.

 

[Raryn]

Canadian with us md on f1.

I think you can get an OPT extension to your F1 that will cover at least intern year. Depending on whether you plan on converting to an H, that may be the best option for you. If you plan on converting to a J, it might be easier to just move straight to the J. Either way, best to contact your school.

 

[DoctorDuck13]

THats the plan. I have all these submitted, can't help but be nervous about the timing of everything though.

 

[DoctorDuck13]

Hi guys, I have one more question to ask..

My visa plans are moving forward so far, my insitution is on-board for H1b for the second year, and my EAD card arrived and I have my OPT set for intern year.

I've been reading on many sites including here that to be H1b-eligible I have to take Step3. Since my institution would go forward with the H1b process in the winter, I don't mind having to take it a bit early, but can someone confirm whether I would need Step3 completed before the H1b application if I am a US med school graduate?

 

[Animalcules]

Hi guys, I have one more question to ask..

My visa plans are moving forward so far, my insitution is on-board for H1b for the second year, and my EAD card arrived and I have my OPT set for intern year.

I've been reading on many sites including here that to be H1b-eligible I have to take Step3. Since my institution would go forward with the H1b process in the winter, I don't mind having to take it a bit early, but can someone confirm whether I would need Step3 completed before the H1b application if I am a US med school graduate?

That is correct, no H1b without Step 3.


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[NotAProgDirector]

To be fair, this is mostly correct. Technically, an IMG needs Step 3 for an H1b. An international grad of a US medical school may not -- but it's up to the visa processing officer and rather than argue it, it's better to just take it.