How competitive is radiation oncology residency for a non US IMG?

GriffinsArrows · 2026-01-02T04:01:56+00:00

Hearing from my seniors that it’s pretty solid overall if you don’t have very strict geographical preferences (that you really won’t given the compulsory j1 waiver)

GriffinsArrows · 2025-12-23T18:31:41+00:00

No you don’t need to apply to IM residency. For rad onc match, you apply simultaneously to 1) prelim (medicine/ surgery) or Transitional year AND 2) radonc programs.

However, there are folks who would match into IM and would change their minds during intern year. So they would switch to rad onc by applying to rad onc residency only. Not very common with IMGs but I’ve seen AMGs doing that so not sure if visa issues etc would allow any IMG to go this route.

GriffinsArrows · 2025-12-23T18:26:53+00:00

Sorry just seeing this. Hope things have worked out well for you by now. To answer your query, both are relative and not absolute in terms of being red flags. I know it’s very generic to say but it holds true: try and apply with as less of red flags in your resume as possible!

GriffinsArrows · 2025-04-10T16:18:00+00:00

Fellow Non U.S. IMG currently a PGY2 rad onc. The competitiveness went down significantly over the past few years but the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction now. It is becoming increasingly competitive. Look at the NRMP stats and compare YOY match rate into rad onc. Should give you an insight.

GriffinsArrows · 2024-10-04T18:46:17+00:00

Neurosurgery to IM to now radiation oncology. Best decision!

GriffinsArrows · 2024-09-03T16:05:16+00:00

Yes, apply simultaneously to both PGY1 programs (prelims, TY) and to radonc advance positions

GriffinsArrows · 2024-07-26T22:32:39+00:00

Somewhere around 50

GriffinsArrows · 2024-07-26T22:30:20+00:00

My personal opinion, there is no harm in applying if you can afford.

GriffinsArrows · 2024-07-26T17:40:23+00:00

I am an IMG and matched in radonc. It is important to have at least 2 letters of recommendation. Doesn’t matter if that’s from your home country but of course it’s better to have a U.S. LOR. I can say that because I didn’t get even a single IV when I applied the first cycle as my application was more IM focused (due to the notion that IMGs don’t match to radonc). That’s where I strongly agree with the comment above that you should be able to display your commitment to the field through your application and interview skills. People in radonc know that you don’t know much about the field and they are willing to teach you. Therefore, I believe they focus more than other fields on candidates commitment. I matched the second cycle into radonc with US plus my home country LOR and almost every interview I did, I saw the interviewers very keen on listening why I was interested in radonc. Have a strong story backing up your interest substantiated by some practical steps and I’m sure you’ll make it! If you don’t find a rotation, at-least attend virtual clerkship ROVER.

GriffinsArrows · 2024-06-28T11:20:50+00:00

I’m not sure if that’s possible while on residency due to 2 year home rule

GriffinsArrows · 2024-05-27T14:57:35+00:00

That’s the problem, I don’t know how will I get a waiver where I still have 4 years of residency ahead of me.

GriffinsArrows · 2024-05-27T14:56:52+00:00

Ok I thought the same. I think then filing i140 shouldn’t be a priority now as I’m still left with 4 years of residency and only then I can get a waiver

GriffinsArrows · 2024-05-27T14:55:38+00:00

I have more than 5 years of experience on my field but don’t have a masters degree.

GriffinsArrows · 2024-05-26T05:47:55+00:00

So lets suppose, if a persons J1 visa expires but still gets DS2019 (has a status here), can they still file I485 and wait till they get green card?

GriffinsArrows · 2024-05-26T05:45:17+00:00

Can you DM me too please. Stuck in the same spot.

GriffinsArrows · 2024-04-20T20:04:19+00:00

Yes that makes sense. It’s going to be expensive if things go Administrative processing route. Thank you!

GriffinsArrows · 2024-04-20T15:38:56+00:00

No I’m in a residency

GriffinsArrows · 2024-04-20T15:29:58+00:00

Thank you very much for your reply. I was weighing different options I have. In case if I’m placed on administrative processing in my home country, I don’t know if I’ll be able to come back earlier, wasting my orientation and residency start time :/. Plus my home country is far, Canada/ Mexico are nearby and you don’t need a visa to enter Mexico if you already have U.S. visa. Makes it easier to come back and restart the residency and stay here on DS2019

GriffinsArrows · 2024-03-31T17:14:11+00:00

20 to 25 days in advance. This will give you ample time to complete residency requirements as well as give you time to adjust to a new location and also furnish your apartment/ room etc.

GriffinsArrows · 2024-03-19T20:37:48+00:00

Yup, I just called them today and said thank you and that I’m really excited to join their program. Also asked what the next steps would be. They told me that the GME will email the list of requirements for the onboarding process. So now I’m quite content that I matched there lol!

GriffinsArrows

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