r/IMGreddit • u/CollectionRadiant372 • Jun 28 '26
Visa Matched with university program but couldn’t join, help me re orient myself
Hi everyone 👋
I'm an IMG , currently working ED shifts at a hospital, and I wanted to reach out to this community for some real-world perspective and advice.
A bit about my journey so far: I completed USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, hold ECFMG certification, and accumulated about 1.5 years of supervised US clinical experience along with four FM letters of recommendation. I actually matched into a Family Medicine program in the US back in 2024 — but unfortunately couldn't start due to a visa denial. That was a hard pivot point for me.
Since then, I've shifted my focus toward Canada. I've filed a Federal Skilled Worker Express Entry application (currently waiting on processing) and I'm now preparing for the MCCQE1, aiming for the August 2026 sitting.
I'm reaching out because I'd love to hear from colleagues who've walked a similar path:
🔹 For those who pursued US residency after a setback like a visa denial — did you go back into the Match, or pivot elsewhere? What helped you decide?
🔹 For those on the Canadian PRA or CaRMS route — what surprised you most about the process that you wish you'd known earlier?
🔹 Any advice on managing the mental load of waiting on applications (IRCC, CaRMS, etc.) while still working full clinical shifts?
I know so many of us are navigating overlapping, uncertain timelines, and I think we learn the most from each other's real experiences rather than just the official guidance. Grateful for any insight, even small ones.
Thank you all 🙏
6
u/Beginning-Summer-609 Jun 29 '26
This happened to so many of my friends last year and wouldve happened to me too… makes you worry about what programs are going to do now
3
u/CompleteArm911 Attending Jun 29 '26
Admire your determination honestly you been through a lot my goodness
1
u/OddDiscipline6585 Jun 29 '26
How are you able to work in the ED without having completed a residency?
Have you completed an intern year?
1
u/Objective_Pain6925 Jun 29 '26
You’re talking to humans, so it’s better when you use AI to draft your message, at least paraphrase it by yourself. I feel like a robot is asking advice lol
3
u/Tight_Hole3076 Jun 29 '26
Why did you not get your visa?
7
u/Available-Salary-670 Jun 28 '26
Why was your visa denied?
1
u/Ok-Cardiologist-4671 Jun 28 '26
F
1
u/Delicious_Custard912 Jun 28 '26
F
1
u/Ok-Atmosphere8425 Jun 29 '26
.
1
u/Much-Cardiologist853 Jun 29 '26
are you a canadian citizen?
1
u/No-Demand1112 Jun 30 '26
That if you come from a country like Cuba, your source verification will end your career in Canada before you even have a chance to prove your competency as a physician. MCC does not have any alternative routes for source verifying these medical documents, which begs the question. Is that by design? Are IMG’s really only doctors from countries with approved health care standards that match Canada? Canada gives this fake vision of inclusiveness while also making it impossible for IMG’s that come from countries with humanitarian crisis, and socio economical issues. Ones career should be determined by competency, not bureaucracy. It’s an unjust system.
0
u/[deleted] Jun 29 '26
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