How early one can apply for the visitor's visa?

[Natasha R]

Hi there!

Hope you're doing great!!

Im a Post grad doctor from Pakistan pursuing USMLE, needed clinical rotation experience and need take an exam based in USA before July 13th 2019, multiple people suggested to apply on basis of the exam only as they're not giving out visitor's visa for clinical rotation, but due to availability issues, the earliest exam date available was that of October(still eligible but not preferred) so applied on that and mentioned in form DS 160 the tentative travel dates to be 1st Oct - 15th Oct, but scheduled visa interview earlier as hope to get earlier exam dates based on cancellations by students.

The visa appointment is 13th June, status - already had a five year multiple entry visa that expired in 2017, previous travel to USA of 4 weeks, single female doctor, enrolled in a training program in Pakistan.

Is Oct travel plan a doubtful reason to apply for visa in June? Should I also talk about clinical rotation invitation letter that came in after submitting application? The rotation starts at a hospital in July, it's for a month.

In dire need of some suggestions!

Thanks.

[Mogu]

It's a bit early but I think given that it can take time and you're presumably in Pakistan where sometimes checks are tougher, it's probably prudent to apply early. So hopefully, wouldn't seem that odd that you're applying in June. You can always say you are doing things early. Now, generally, they give a start date based on when the visa was issued but that's not guaranteed. It's possible that the visa might have a start date closer to October.

Are you looking to do the rotation in the US? If you listed a purpose of visit in the US, I would stick with that listed purpose consistently till the end. Only mention rotation if you already know that they give B2 visas for clinical rotation, i.e. ideally you know of specific people.

Just my own person opinion - not familiar with going to US for clinical training/exams.