Non North American with a burning desire for an Internship in 2020-21

[DairyDude]

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Hi all,
I am currently a final year at The University of Melbourne, with a very keen interest in large animal, particularly food animal medicine.
I have watched the visa situation unfold from afar via VIRMP over the last two years and watched most programs close their doors towards non NAFTA citizens.
With VIRMP opening this weekend, I note a new category labelled 'Diversity' for both Small and Large animals.

What does everyone think the outcome is likely to be? How does this make everyone feel?
Personally, it is quite hard to swallow programs I'd love to go to, being 'unmatched' and still even into April or May, not finding a suitable candidate.

Hope everyone is enjoying their 2019, and whatever this year is bringing for you (graduation, boards, starting vet school)!

 

[VIN-Foundation]

Diversity programs for house officers have been around for a while. For example, we have had these positions at our place at least for the 26 years I've been on our intern selection committee. As in our case, these are often programs with specific funding directed towards increasing diversity. I can go into all the historical details if anyone is interested.

The challenges associated with hiring employees that require a Visa are more recent. And very frustrating. Realize universities and other internship programs don't make the laws but we do have to follow them. And it's simply become unworkable for many programs to hire house officers that require Visas. In other words, it's not the program's choice to close the door to international applicants.

 

[VetMedSurvivalGuide]

Dr. Thomas is spot on. Years back I was in the exact same position and almost lost my resident position due to the prevailing wage rule/law. They (government) look at what intern/resident MDs make and apply it to veterinarians. The university then has to submit information stating otherwise and that will add additional time to an already lengthy VISA processing. There is no guarantee that a VISA will be approved, and with processing times taking longer and longer, programs could simply not afford (financially and other) to potentially lose a candidate very close to internship or residency start dates. Too much bureaucracy.

Having said the above, there are still programs that will accept foreign nationals. You'll have to look carefully in the program descriptions. Keep in mind the VIRMP itself will not prevent you from applying to any program, it is your job to make sure you can accept a position if you match there.

Also worth considering that if your university is AVMA accredited, you could be eligible for a state license if you meet all the criteria, which can provide you additional options in private practice and not limit you to universities.