A weird case of J1 for the experts...serious help needed

[StepX]

Ok..I'll try to make the story short.

- August 2004: Took Step 2 CS (already passed step1,2ck)
- Sept 2004: Apply for match get a few interviews
- Early Jan 2005: Still no Step2 CS result (hence no ecfmg cert)
- Mid Jan: Attend interview at a ok program. Offered PreMatch.
- Late Jan: Signed Prematch. Get letter of intention from PD.
- Mid Feb: Finally get Step2 CS score(6 months). Failed. Depression.

- The present: talked to PD...PD willing to wait for me to take it again. I applied same day I was able to apply. Waiting for scheduling permit.

My bad luck: The earliest I think I will be able to take the exam again will be early May because all test dates are taken by AMGs. PD told me to have result by end of May. Results are taking anywhere from 6-8 weeks to come...plus say 10 days to get ECFMG cert.

My good luck:found out you can apply for J1 visa without Step2CS..only step1 and step2ck needed. (i think PD does not know that)

My questions: Is that true? Would the PD send me a contract (i only have intention letter) so I can apply before for J1 without ecfmg cert and maybe make it before July 1st? How long does J1 take to proccess outside the US?
Do programs usually wait for people after July 1st? If so, about how long?

I really want to make it this year (old grad) and can't imagine another year living in the conditions I am now so any help is appreciated.

Anyone have any suggestions for me and my screwed up story?

Thank you all.

 

[hadron]

US grads can start residency withoug step2. FMG's need step2cs and ck, mainly to get their ECFMG certificate.

Some programs, if desperated enough for warm bodies, will wait a month or two for someone to get all the visa stuff through.

You say you ara an 'old gra', but why not wait until you have step3 and save yourself the J1 trouble alltogether ?

 

[StepX]

The old grad part i could handle altho programs are not giving interviews to old grads. But the situation is that right now I make $4,500 USD a YEAR as a GP. I dont mind coming back to my country as an specialist who make a whole lot more so I don't mind the J1.

What about the question about applying for J1 visa without Step2CS? I read that in the ecfmg webpage about requirements to apply for J1.

Thanx hadron.

 

[psychmd7]

i think you need a valid ecfmg certificate when u apply for J1 sponsorship. it is best to call ecfmg and check with them.

 

[j1 madness]

Call or check ECFMG web site.

By experience I would advise you to call directly ECFMG and ask them about your situation. Don't get suggestions from others,the reason being, rules are changed every day in USA. And you need to do it fast as getting J1 visa before July 1st is not easy. Good luck

 

[StepX]

Hi guys...thanks for the comments.

This is from ECFMG website:

General Eligibility & Requirements

Foreign national physicians seeking J-1 sponsorship to enroll in programs of graduate medical education (GME) or training in the United States must fulfill a number of general requirements, which are detailed in the application materials. At a minimum, applicants must:

* Have passed Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) of the United States Medical Licensing Examination™ (USMLE™) [and/or an acceptable combination of components of the former Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in the Medical Sciences (FMGEMS), the National Board of Medical Examiners® (NBME®) Part sequence, or the Visa Qualifying Examination (VQE)];


* Hold a valid Standard ECFMG Certificate at commencement of training;


* Hold a contract or an official letter of offer for a position in a program of graduate medical education or training that is affiliated with a medical school;

It says cert is needed at commecenment of training...that means July 1st then.
I'm I interpreting this right?

thanks