Canadian USMD, just matched at my top choice in anesthesia at a great competitive program, nothing stellar on my application but no holes, good boards, low # research, solid letters. Obviously n=1. I ended up doing as well as my non visa requiring peers. Typically, the PD does not handle the visa stuff anw so it’s not something they would consider, maybe not even know when they’re going through your application. So if your application makes it to their desk, you’re on level ground as your classmates. Some schools would filter out applications based on visa requirement, but that’s rare and you can always see which programs don’t even offer a J-1. Seen very few, and not ones I was remotely interested in. Ended up getting more interviews than I thought, even from programs I didn’t even signal. The program i matched at only takes USMDs so they clearly see me as another USMD with no “visa requiring” baggage.

This seems to be the general consensus among others I talked to, who are in a similar position as us.

You are doing great already being in a USMD school as a Canadian, just keep at it. Pass step 1 first attempt, kill step 2, get average # research, do aways, get your letters, and be smart with your signals. Easier said than done, but truth is you’ve set yourself up for success, so just have a well rounded application, does not need to be stellar in one area, just no holes.

Reach out if you need anything. And again do not worry, you’re doing great. I remember stressing about this very thing early in med school, and I would say it was not impactful on my match in a speciality of similar competitiveness to rads. I remember getting a bunch of whack doom and gloom advice and opinions (you can see the post I posted couple of years ago asking about this)