Why Step 3 Is No Longer Optional for IMGs(Especially If You Need an H-1B Visa in 2025)

Written By Mission Residency USA

⚠️ Here’s the Reality in 2025

For a long time, Step 3 was optional for many IMGs — especially those who didn’t need H-1B visa sponsorship. If you had a green card or J-1 eligibility, it was treated like an extra credit assignment.

But in 2025, that mindset can quietly hurt your chances.

Why?

H-1B visa applicants are required to pass Step 3 for sponsorship

  • Those candidates are showing up ready, with Step 3 on their CV

  • If you’re applying without Step 3, and the applicant next to you does have it — you’ve just handed them a competitive edge

Even if you don’t need to take it for a visa, you now have to ask yourself:

“Can I afford to not have it if others in my same pool do?”

This is especially true as programs are facing:

  • Increased visa scrutiny

  • Tighter timelines

  • And far more applications than seats

We’ve already seen programs favoring IMG applicants with Step 3 because it reduces risk and shows academic readiness.

Mission Residency USA https://www.MissionResidency.com
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