Do you have to be in the States for the Match? - nms

[ArchivalUser]

My visa expires before the SF &ERAS Match.If I finish with my interviews and go back home,is it still possible to participate in the match or does one need to be in the States for that?
Would applying for an extension be advisable as i've heard that it would be a bad record for the work visa.
Also,is Step3 mandatory for a J1 visa?

Would appreciate any help on the above.
Thanx and goodluck

[ArchivalUser]

You don't have to be in the States for the match, but it's a good idea.
Specially if you don't match and need to scramble. Remember that in the case of scramble you need to be calling and faxing the programs with unfilled positions...

[ArchivalUser]

thanx pf.
Anybody on whether Step 3 is required for a J1 visa?

[ArchivalUser]

not required for J1, just for H1