Visa Timeline

[applejuiceman]

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Canadian citizen (and CMG) with an American fellowship starting in July, going the J1 visa route.

Basically, I was wondering when most Canadians get their DS2019 and make their consulate appointments? I'll have to travel to get to a consulate, so I'm trying to juggle this around exam-related stuff.

All my docs are submitted to my school, but it doesn't look like they're submitted on the ECFMG yet. I asked the school, but didn't get a response, so it'd be great to hear your experiences.

 

[NewCanadian]

If you are a Canadian Citizen, you do NOT have to get your passport stamped at an American consulate. this is clearly stated on the Exchange Visitor Sponsorship Program section on the ECFMG website.

 

[applejuiceman]

Thanks NewCanadian.

Bumped to ask: Where are most people in the visa process at this point? Do most people have their DS2019 forms?

My docs haven't been uploaded into the ECFMG system by my school yet. I was planning to move in mid-June... is that plan still feasible given where I'm sitting in the process? I have not idea how long this should take.

 

[NewCanadian]

Students are supposed to get their home country letter right after the match - in Canada, anyway. the students are supposed to start the visa application process right after the match, and should submit everything as soon as possible. I don't know how medical schools manage their part, sorry. health canada can take up to 30 days to issue your letter. ECFMG asks for six weeks. doctors can enter the US 30 days before start date, no earlier. I can't prove it, but most get their DS2019 in time to travel to the US in early or mid June.

sorry, i can't be of more help than that.