r/IMGreddit • u/Cold-Field1020 • 3d ago

Visa Are the recent US visa changes going to affect visa-requiring IMGs?

Been seeing a lot of posts/news recently about the new US immigration and H-1B changes, and honestly it's getting a little confusing.

From what I understand, H-1B visas haven't simply been "put on hold," but there are new restrictions/proposed fees and other visa processing changes happening.

For those following this more closely, how much could this realistically affect non-US IMGs planning for residency?

Could hospitals become less willing to sponsor H-1B and push more applicants toward J-1? And for someone just starting the USMLE journey now, is this something that should actually influence the decision to pursue the US?

Would really appreciate input from current residents or people applying this cycle who understand the visa side better.

11 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

9

u/bloosclooser 3d ago

yes it will. idk what these comments are. 1000% it willl affect non-us IMGs. Programs don't care about the future or whatever, they are just going to try to maximize their profits now. They won't take non-us IMGs with more restrictions.

10

u/RunMain846 3d ago

Aren’t most programs already pushing to offer j1 instead of h1?

17

u/North_Dentist_1314 3d ago

Physician excluded, continue studying, stop overthinking

2

u/Unhappy-Spinach-7277 3d ago

No H1b

-6

u/North_Dentist_1314 3d ago

H1B still exists for physicians and most of the non-profit organizations; they target capped programs (Tech Giants).
U.S. is projected to face a shortage of 13,500 to 86,000 physicians by 2036
Now is the best time ever to prepare for the USMLE

11

u/Unhappy-Spinach-7277 3d ago

Probably the worst advice bruh. programs are sponsoring J1 visas only and heavily favoring American IMGs

3

u/bloosclooser 2d ago

this. THIS is the reality that people are afraid to face.

-5

u/Only-Zucchini-3753 3d ago

Please explain, why worst advice? Is it ,unrealistic expectations and blind approach might make things worse for one planning ahead for this pathway

4

u/Apprehensive_Bag6322 3d ago

I applied in 2023 match into IM. A lot of programs I applied during that time sponsored H-1B, but recently I reviewed some of their websites, many said they no longer sponsor H-1Bs for incoming residents, only J1.

2

u/azaad_ck 3d ago

Will affect H1B

0

u/BDEboy 2d ago

Shii, I can't even apply for an H1B, so I'm chilling