OPT Neurologist Jobs

Neurologist jobs on OPT require STEM-designated programs in medicine or neuroscience, which qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most positions are in academic medical centers or hospital systems that routinely sponsor H-1B visas, making neurology one of the more OPT-friendly physician specialties.

Find OPT Neurologist Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs82+
Work Type98% On-site
Top LocationPortland, OR
Most JobsCommonSpirit Health

Showing 5 of 82+ Neurologist jobs

CHRISTUS Health
Physician - Neurologist
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CHRISTUS Health
New 11h ago
Physician - Neurologist
CHRISTUS Health
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
Neurologist
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Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
Added 4d ago
Neurologist
Charles B. Wang Community Health Center
Flushing, New York
Medical Specialists
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$105 - $120/hr
On-Site
Doctorate
501-1,000

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Lasante Health Center
Neurologist
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Lasante Health Center
Added 1w ago
Neurologist
Lasante Health Center
Brooklyn, New York
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$120 - $145/hr
On-Site
Doctorate

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Neurologist - Sleep Medicine
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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Added 1w ago
Neurologist - Sleep Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Nursing
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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St. Luke's Hospital (MO)
Physician-Neurologist
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St. Luke's Hospital (MO)
Added 2w ago
Physician-Neurologist
St. Luke's Hospital (MO)
Chesterfield, Missouri
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
On-Site
Doctorate
1,001-5,000

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Neurologist

Target academic medical centers first

Academic hospitals like university health systems sponsor international physicians at higher rates than private practices. They have established immigration infrastructure, dedicated HR teams, and are far more familiar with OPT-to-H-1B transitions for residents and fellows.

Confirm your program's STEM designation

Neurology and neuroscience doctoral programs are typically STEM-designated, unlocking a 24-month OPT extension beyond the standard 12 months. Verify your specific program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles with long hiring timelines.

Start your job search 6 months before OPT ends

Physician hiring cycles are long. Credentialing, privileging, and visa paperwork for neurologists can take three to five months. Beginning your search early gives you time to secure a role before your work authorization window closes.

Ask about J-1 waivers if applicable

If you completed residency or fellowship on a J-1 visa, ask potential employers about Conrad 30 or IHS waivers. Many hospital systems in underserved areas sponsor neurologists through waiver programs, which can transition directly into H-1B status.

Prioritize employers with existing H-1B filing history

Hospitals and health systems that have previously sponsored neurologists on H-1B visas understand the process and are unlikely to be deterred by it. Ask HR directly whether the organization has sponsored physicians in this specialty before.

Document your subspecialty clearly on applications

Epilepsy, movement disorders, stroke, and neuromuscular medicine are in particularly high demand. Clearly stating your subspecialty and fellowship training strengthens your application and signals to employers that your skill set justifies the sponsorship investment.

Neurologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a neurologist on OPT without employer sponsorship?

Yes, during your OPT period you're authorized to work without your employer filing any petition on your behalf. However, OPT is temporary, and most physician roles require long-term authorization. You'll want an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B or O-1 visa before your OPT expires, so confirming that willingness early in the hiring process is essential.

Does a neurology or neuroscience degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?

Most neurology and neuroscience graduate programs carry STEM-designated CIP codes, which qualify graduates for a 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of the standard 12 months. That gives you up to 36 months of OPT work authorization. Confirm your specific program's designation with your Designated School Official before relying on it for your job search timeline.

Where can I find neurologist jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers who sponsor work visas, including H-1B. Searching for neurologist roles on Migrate Mate surfaces positions at hospitals and health systems that have a documented history of sponsoring international physicians, saving you from applying to employers who won't support your visa transition.

Can I do a neurology fellowship on OPT?

Yes, fellowship positions are considered authorized practical training in your field of study and are OPT-eligible. Many neurology fellowship programs at academic medical centers are accustomed to hosting international trainees on OPT or J-1 visas. Confirm that the fellowship program is willing to hire OPT students and ask about their H-1B sponsorship policy for when your fellowship concludes.

What happens to my OPT if I finish a neurology fellowship and need more time before my H-1B starts?

If your OPT expires before your H-1B takes effect on October 1, there is a cap-gap provision that automatically extends your work authorization if your H-1B was filed before your OPT expired. Your employer's immigration attorney should file early to ensure the cap-gap extension covers the gap between your OPT end date and the H-1B start date.