J-1 Visas for Albertans - Statement of Need?

[daftjustice]

I've been doing research into landing a US residency as a CSA (Canadian Studying Abroad), and one of the things you must obtain is a J-1 visa.

 

In order to get the J-1 Visa, you are required to get a Statement of Need from Health Canada/your home province (my understanding on this is hazy.)

 

I've heard anecdotally about some difficulties some Albertans have experienced in getting this Statement - can anyone shine a light on this? Thanks!

[Mourning Cloak]

It's issued by Health Canada on behalf of your province, and this could be more problematic than you would expect . . . .

 

http://www.valuemd.com/canadian-img/236368-statement-j1-visa-denied.html

[daftjustice]

This is disconcerting.....

 

So, in late October/early November, Health Canada releases the list of residencies and the corresponding quotas of "statements of needs" they are prepared to issue.

 

I have heard that you can't really apply for the Statement of Need until you land the residency anyways...so does that just make it a rat race to apply for it once you get the green light by a US program?