J-1 Visa Animal Surgeon Jobs
Animal Surgeon roles in the United States are accessible to foreign veterinary professionals through the J-1 visa Trainee or Research Scholar program categories, depending on your career stage. A U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and arranges sponsorship, while the veterinary hospital or research institution serves as your host.
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Intern - Food Animal Medicine and Surgery Specialty
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Iowa State University (ISU) is offering a one year Food Animal Medicine and Surgery specialty internship. The internship is distinguished by a high-volume, diverse caseload for food animals and South American camelids. The caseload is characterized by 65% cattle, 30% small ruminants, and 5% pigs and camelids with a large percentage of the cases being true production livestock in addition to companion and high-value show and genetics livestock. The service additionally performs a large variety of food animal surgeries both elective and emergency.
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, and Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine offers a Food Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship program designed to prepare interns for specialty residency and/or obtain further proficiency in Food Animal Medicine and Surgery. The internship program is one year in duration.
Interns will primarily be assigned clinical duty within the Food Animal and Camelid Hospital and will share primary emergency duties with other food animal medicine residents and interns. Emergency duty will be supported by clinical faculty.
Interns will also have the opportunity to rotate through other clinical services such as equine medicine, theriogenology, food animal field services, radiology, and clinical pathology or additional services depending on intern interests. Interns participate in clinical rounds, seminars, journal club, continuing education programs, and various sections and departmental academic programs. Two weeks are assigned for vacation and/or research opportunities. The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides specialized care and comprehensive medical and surgical services for companion and large animals throughout Iowa and surrounding states. Our clinicians, residents, interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work collaboratively to provide 24-hour, high-quality care to animal patients. Iowa State University offers a competitive salary and one of the most comprehensive benefits packages to interns.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- DVM or equivalent degree.
- Registration with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy in compliance with the Controlled Substances Registration Act will be required prior to clinical practice.
- Licensure by the State of Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine upon employment start date.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong interest in food animal and camelid medicine.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing Program
Proposed Start Date:
July 15, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
June 17, 2026
Posting Close Date:
June 30, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19398
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
Position Title:
Intern - Food Animal Medicine and Surgery Specialty
Appointment Type:
Post Doc/Trainee
Job Description:
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:
Iowa State University (ISU) is offering a one year Food Animal Medicine and Surgery specialty internship. The internship is distinguished by a high-volume, diverse caseload for food animals and South American camelids. The caseload is characterized by 65% cattle, 30% small ruminants, and 5% pigs and camelids with a large percentage of the cases being true production livestock in addition to companion and high-value show and genetics livestock. The service additionally performs a large variety of food animal surgeries both elective and emergency.
The College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, and Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine offers a Food Animal Medicine and Surgery Internship program designed to prepare interns for specialty residency and/or obtain further proficiency in Food Animal Medicine and Surgery. The internship program is one year in duration.
Interns will primarily be assigned clinical duty within the Food Animal and Camelid Hospital and will share primary emergency duties with other food animal medicine residents and interns. Emergency duty will be supported by clinical faculty.
Interns will also have the opportunity to rotate through other clinical services such as equine medicine, theriogenology, food animal field services, radiology, and clinical pathology or additional services depending on intern interests. Interns participate in clinical rounds, seminars, journal club, continuing education programs, and various sections and departmental academic programs. Two weeks are assigned for vacation and/or research opportunities. The Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides specialized care and comprehensive medical and surgical services for companion and large animals throughout Iowa and surrounding states. Our clinicians, residents, interns, technicians, staff, and senior veterinary students work collaboratively to provide 24-hour, high-quality care to animal patients. Iowa State University offers a competitive salary and one of the most comprehensive benefits packages to interns.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- DVM or equivalent degree.
- Registration with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy in compliance with the Controlled Substances Registration Act will be required prior to clinical practice.
- Licensure by the State of Iowa Board of Veterinary Medicine upon employment start date.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong interest in food animal and camelid medicine.
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing Program
Proposed Start Date:
July 15, 2026
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
Post Docs
Original Posting Date:
June 17, 2026
Posting Close Date:
June 30, 2026
Job Requisition Number:
R19398
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
See all 51+ J-1 Visa Animal Surgeon Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Animal Surgeon
Verify your veterinary credentials meet U.S. standards
Your degree and clinical training must be evaluated against U.S. veterinary licensing standards before most host institutions will consider you. Request a credential evaluation from a recognized assessment body and confirm your surgical specialization is documented in English.
Target academic veterinary medical centers first
University-affiliated veterinary hospitals and veterinary colleges run structured J-1 Trainee and Research Scholar programs far more often than private practices. These institutions already have relationships with designated sponsors and understand the DS-2019 issuance process for surgical subspecialties.
Use Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned animal surgeon roles
Searching broadly across general job boards wastes time on employers unfamiliar with J-1 host requirements. Use Migrate Mate to filter for U.S. employers and roles that align with J-1 sponsorship, narrowing your search to veterinary and surgical positions with relevant program experience.
Confirm which J-1 category your career stage fits
If you are within one year of completing your veterinary degree, the Trainee category applies. If you hold a postgraduate surgical credential and are pursuing advanced research, the Research Scholar category is typically correct. Applying under the wrong category delays DS-2019 issuance.
Get your training plan signed before the offer stage
Your designated sponsor requires a detailed training plan outlining surgical procedures, supervision arrangements, and learning objectives before issuing the DS-2019. Work with your prospective host facility to draft this document before you finalize any offer letter or start date.
Check whether the two-year home residency requirement applies to you
The J-1 two-year home residency requirement (INA Section 212(e)) applies to many veterinary professionals funded by their home government or whose country is on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. Confirm your status with your designated sponsor before accepting a host position.
Animal Surgeon J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to animal surgeons?
It depends on your career stage. Veterinary professionals within one year of completing their degree typically qualify under the J-1 Trainee category. Those with postgraduate surgical credentials pursuing advanced clinical training or research at a U.S. institution usually fall under the Research Scholar category. A designated sponsor organization confirms which category applies based on your qualifications and the host program structure.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for an animal surgeon position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or a university-affiliated program, not the veterinary hospital or research center where you will work. The hiring institution is your host, and it partners with a designated sponsor to issue your DS-2019 form. You cannot obtain J-1 status through an employer alone.
How do I find U.S. employers willing to host a J-1 animal surgeon?
Use Migrate Mate to search for U.S. employers and animal surgeon roles that align with J-1 sponsorship. University veterinary medical centers and research institutions are the most common host sites because they already have established relationships with designated sponsors. Private specialty practices occasionally host J-1 trainees but less frequently, and they require more lead time to set up the necessary administrative agreements.
Does the J-1 two-year home residency requirement affect animal surgeons?
Potentially, yes. If your veterinary training is funded by your home government, or if your home country appears on the U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitor Skills List for veterinary medicine, the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e) applies. This means you must return home for two years before changing to most other U.S. visa categories. Confirm your situation with your designated sponsor before committing to a host program.
What documents does an animal surgeon need before a designated sponsor issues the DS-2019?
You typically need a detailed training plan co-developed with your host institution, a credential evaluation verifying your veterinary degree, proof of English proficiency, evidence of financial support for your stay, and a formal statement of commitment from the host facility. Sponsors such as CIEE or Cultural Vistas provide their own checklists, but the training plan is the document most commonly delayed because it must specify surgical procedures, supervision structure, and measurable learning outcomes.