Matching into Prelim Year on J1 visa...can I switch out after a year?

[Blitz2006]

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Ok,

So lets say I match this year into a prelim program, e.g surgery or medicine (most likely surgery since I am IMG, and have no chance at medicine prelim realistically).

Anyways, I match into prelim surg. Do 1 year, can't find a spot in categorical surg, but match into another residency (FM for example).

Will J1 visa allow me to switch residencies after 1 year? Is this legal? Or do I have to leave country...

Thanks!

 

[cyneuron]

Ok,

So lets say I match this year into a prelim program, e.g surgery or medicine (most likely surgery since I am IMG, and have no chance at medicine prelim realistically).

Are you sure you don't mean it other way round ?

Getting into Surg prelim is way more difficult than IM Prelim for an IMG.

 

[gutonc]

Are you sure you don't mean it other way round ?

Getting into Surg prelim is way more difficult than IM Prelim for an IMG.

No...Blitz is correct. Gen Surg categorical is more competitive than IM cat but GS prelim spots are a dime a dozen and IM prelim spots can be somewhat competitive.

 

[Blitz2006]

my understanding is that IM Prelim is more competitive cause its reserved for guys going into derm, optho, rads, etc.

but does anyone know about the J1 visa situation and switching programs?

Thanks!

 

[NotAProgDirector]

The J1 rules allow you to switch specialties once before the PGY-2 year. Whether anyone "checks" if you try to do so again, or after the PGY-2 year, is unclear. But yes, you can do this without a problem once.