If you are a CSA who is looking to match to the USA, this post is for you. We have limited information in this area, as we are mainly focused on Canada. Most of the following information is from previous CSA’s who have matched to the USA. Check out general US residency program requirements here.
In terms of what to do in medical school, you need to write the step 1 (and do well!) in summer after finishing preclinical medicine. You only get one chance at this, so take it seriously. Set aside at least 8 weeks of dedicated 12 hours a day study time, use the Goljan audio-lectures (in addition to books), or some other prep course(ie. Goljan) Everything rides on this exam.
Schedule at least one 4 week US clinical elective in your predicted chosen specialty. When you are applying to the US Match, you’ll need a minimum 4 weeks US clinical experience just to apply. Some programs require even more time, but will make an exception for you if you have a good US recommendation letter and USMLE scores. Americans like big name universities, so try getting an elective somewhere like Mt Sinai (note, has an early application), etc.
A good time to do the Step 2 CS is when you’re already in the US doing your elective. Schedule as many US interviews as early as possible in the interview season. This will ensure they don’t interfere with the Canadian ones, and will give you an excellent chance at practicing interviews for when/if you have your Canadian ones. Set aside about 15000 bucks for interviews; it’s an expensive process.
If you are not an American citizen, you will need a visa. Visas for residents include the following: a J-1 is good for 7 years if you are in training (most hospitals prefer this as ECFMG does the application & pays for it). The cons of this option are a 2 year ROS to Canada (i.e. finish residency, return to and work in Canada x2 years, then return the the States on a H1b and apply for a green card). You can only apply once you have your graduation diploma which can be a challenge. Get in touch with your graduate medical education officer at the hospital early as each hospital has different familiarities with the whole process. You should start the application process at the ECFMG early as there is lots of paperwork! The second option is the J-1 visa waiver program (stay & work in the States, then do H1B and get a green card) The H1b is good for 5 years and when completed, you can apply for a green card. This is harder to get as you need to demonstrate excellence in your field. It is also approximately 10 grand in cost.
We previously posted this link on Facebook for the J-1 process and the Certificate of Need that is mandatory for a visa to work as an American resident. Be aware that there are quotas, which you can find here. And here is the link from the American authorities as to what they require.
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