[Haisook]

Hi guys, I've received my scheduling permit, but I can't find any available seats in my eligibility period (which is Oct-Nov-Dec 2010). There's only one test center in my country and it's full!

What should I do?

 

[b.abid]

I think you should extend your eligibility period and try to schedule your exam date earlier next time .. it's not free, but still it's better than missing your exam date and reapplying !

 

[Haisook]

Thanks for your reply.

Could some fellow users provide me with information about extending my eligibility period? I heard I can't do it before my eligibility period actually starts. And till then, is there any chance I can find a seat? Should I keep checking at Prometric site every day?

What are your recommendations guys?

 

[good_boy_1234]

Thanks for your reply.

Could some fellow users provide me with information about extending my eligibility period? I heard I can't do it before my eligibility period actually starts. And till then, is there any chance I can find a seat? Should I keep checking at Prometric site every day?

What are your recommendations guys?

From ECFMG :

Eligibility Period Extension

If you are unable to take Step 1/Step 2 CK during the three-month eligibility period assigned to you, you may request a one-time extension. You may extend your eligibility period only through the next, contiguous eligibility period (the next eligibility period that does not overlap with your original eligibility period).

Example: An applicant's original eligibility period is April-May-June 2010. The eligibility period may be extended only through July-August-September 2010.​

You may request an extension on-line using IWA. Payment of the appropriate fee must be submitted with the request. If you take the exam during your original eligibility period or if you do not take the exam, you will not receive a refund or credit of the eligibility period extension fee.
You may request an extension of your eligibility period only once for each exam registration. You may request an extension of your eligibility period only after your eligibility period has begun. Requests received at ECFMG more than 25 days after the end of the original eligibility period will not be processed. For specific information on deadlines, refer to IWA.
Additionally, you must continue to be eligible to take the exam during the extended eligibility period (you must still be officially enrolled in a medical school located outside the United States and Canada that is listed in IMED and the "Graduation Years" for your medical school must be listed as "Current," or you must be a graduate of such a medical school and your graduation year must be included in the school's IMED listing). See Eligibility for Examination.
If your eligibility period is extended, NBME will issue a new scheduling permit reflecting the extension. You can obtain the new scheduling permit by accessing IWA. You must bring the new scheduling permit to the test center on the date of your exam.
If you have a scheduled appointment during your original eligibility period and need to cancel and reschedule the appointment for your extended eligibility period, you must cancel or reschedule at least five business days before your scheduled appointment to avoid a rescheduling fee. Requesting an extension of your eligibility period does not cancel a scheduled appointment. See Rescheduling.
If you are unable to take the exam during your original or extended eligibility period or you are unable to extend your original eligibility period, you must reapply, including payment of the appropriate fee(s), to take the exam

 

[avalanch]

Dont worry until u are supposed to

Usually when there is only one or very few centres in a country that host USMLE exams, they dont open slots so futuristically...

U can happily wait for some more days to see all dates available...

Dont think of extending eligibility period as yet...unless u have other reasons to do so..

Call ur prometric customer care and they will help you by giving assurance

 

[Sabio]

Two other options

Keep refreshing the Prometric calendar every 5 minutes for at least 4 hours for two consecutive days, you'll likely find a vacant seat.

Many people will reschedule with time and you can take their place immediately.

Also, I suggest you look at the possibility of relocating your center to a nearby country (if this is possible) and see if they have seats in your allocated eligibility period.

 

[Haisook]

I wish there's a way to receive notifications when seats become available. Even if I have to pay for it. Prometric should consider this. :notsure:

Refreshing the page every 5 minutes for days means I'll have no time to do anything else ).

I'll try to check every now and then.

 

[Haisook]

Also, I suggest you look at the possibility of relocating your center to a nearby country (if this is possible) and see if they have seats in your allocated eligibility period.

OK, if I schedule a seat in a nearby country, will canceling be a problem in case I find a vacant seat in my country? I mean is canceling immediate or not? free or paid? any technical issues associated?

For instance, Can I cancel the appointment in the other country, and immediately schedule an appointment in my country?

 

[Sabio]

OK, if I schedule a seat in a nearby country, will canceling be a problem in case I find a vacant seat in my country? I mean is canceling immediate or not? free or paid? any technical issues associated?

For instance, Can I cancel the appointment in the other country, and immediately schedule an appointment in my country?

It's not easy and they may charge you fees. The fees varies from region to region.
Generally speaking you have to cancel the appointment that you made first and then try to reschedule in another center.
If you cancel before 2 weeks of the exam they don't take a fee but if when you reschedule they'll take some fees.
Again, it varies from region to region and you have to grab a phone and talk to Prometric directly if you are serious about this.

Have a look at an example here
http://www.usmle-forums.com/ecfmg-forum/405-tranfer-testing-region-india-us.html