go for 2009 or should try in 2010

[s_d]

hi, I am an IMG of India.I have completed my MBBS(Under graduation) on 2005.I am planning for USMLE.But it will be impossible for me to complete step-3 on 2008. That means I can not apply for H1B VISA for residency on 2009, but I can apply for J1.Now what will be better for me.Will it be better to go for 2010 match for H1B VISA or should go for J1 VISA for 2009 match? :roll:

[anatolyk]

That really depends on what you want to do after the residency. Are you going to stay in the US or return to India? What specialty is this?

[s_d]

I suppose u wanna mean if I want to stay in US after graduation then I shud go for H1B....but my concern is that if I go for 2010 match then my duration of passing undergraduation(i.e.MBBS) in INDIA will be of 5 yrs and if I go for 2009 match then it'll be of 4 yrs...I wanna know does it carry a negative mark of losing an extra yr, even getting of H1B? :(

[anatolyk]

If staying in the U.S. is not important or you are looking for a primary care specialty (IM/FM/PEDs), you will be better off applying without Step 3 and getting J1.

If you want to stay in the U.S., you should have no problems getting a J1 waiver if you agree to work for 2 years in a medicaly underserved area. Almost all suburbs are underserved (except may be NY and Chicago).

[s_d]

I think u r talking about J1 exchange waiver...But Anatolyk, if I want to stay at US, there is how much chance of getting a job to work at underserved area(i.e. J1 exchange waiver)?

[anatolyk]

This is exacly what I was referring to. Getting J1 waiver after primary care residency (IM or FM) is realy straightforward.

[s_d]

I have heard that after getting J1 waiver I have to work for at least 5 years before getting a fellowship, and chance of getting fellowship at a good hospital is also very less...Though I don know how much truth it is :(