Neurosurgeon Jobs for OPT Students

Neurosurgeon roles on OPT are rare but possible, typically requiring ACGME-accredited residency or fellowship training that itself counts as authorized OPT employment. Your 12-month OPT clock starts at graduation, so most F-1 students pursue residency match pathways rather than direct attending positions. STEM OPT extension does not apply to MD programs.

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Overview

Open Jobs178+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type99% On-site
Salary Range$113K – $171K
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsCommonSpirit Health

Showing 5 of 178+ Neurosurgeon jobs

CHRISTUS Health
Neurosurgeon
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CHRISTUS Health
Added 5d ago
Neurosurgeon
CHRISTUS Health
Texarkana, Texas
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
On-Site
None
10,000+

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CommonSpirit Health
Neurosurgeon
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CommonSpirit Health
Added 3w ago
Neurosurgeon
CommonSpirit Health
Kearney, Nebraska
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
$835,000/yr - $865,000/yr
On-Site
Other

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Guthrie
Neurosurgeon
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Guthrie
Added 1mo ago
Neurosurgeon
Guthrie
Binghamton, New York
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
On-Site
Other

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Community Health Systems
Neurosurgeon
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Community Health Systems
Added 1mo ago
Neurosurgeon
Community Health Systems
Knoxville, Tennessee
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
$825,000/yr - $875,000/yr
On-Site
None
10,000+

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OSF HealthCare
Neurosurgeon
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OSF HealthCare
Added 1mo ago
Neurosurgeon
OSF HealthCare
Rockford, Illinois
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
$565,155/yr - $956,000/yr
On-Site
None
10,000+

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Neurosurgeon

Understand how residency fits your OPT timeline

ACGME-accredited neurosurgery residency programs qualify as OPT-authorized employment. Matching into a residency program is the most realistic path for F-1 graduates, but you must ensure your OPT start date aligns with the July program start.

Apply for OPT well before Match Day

USCIS recommends filing your OPT application 90 days before your intended start date. Neurosurgery Match results come in February, so file early to avoid gaps between Match Day and your residency program start in July.

Confirm your program is ACGME-accredited

Only training at ACGME-accredited institutions qualifies as valid OPT employment for F-1 students. Before accepting any neurosurgery residency or fellowship offer, verify accreditation status directly with your DSO and the program coordinator.

Coordinate with your DSO immediately after matching

Your Designated School Official must authorize your OPT and update your SEVIS record. After matching, notify your DSO at once with your employer details, start date, and job title so your employment authorization reflects the correct program.

Plan for H-1B sponsorship before OPT ends

Neurosurgery residency runs seven or more years, likely outlasting your OPT authorization. Speak with your program's GME office early about H-1B cap-exempt sponsorship through the hospital, which most academic medical centers can provide for trainees.

Document all employment accurately for SEVIS compliance

F-1 OPT requires you to report your employer name, address, and start date to your DSO within 10 days of beginning work. For neurosurgery roles, report each rotation site if your program involves multiple affiliated hospitals or clinical settings.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can an F-1 OPT student work as a neurosurgeon in the United States?

F-1 OPT students cannot work as attending neurosurgeons directly after graduation because neurosurgery requires completing a seven-year ACGME-accredited residency first. Most F-1 medical graduates use OPT to cover the early portion of residency training, which counts as authorized OPT employment. You'll need additional visa sponsorship before residency ends.

Does neurosurgery residency count as valid OPT employment?

Yes. Training at an ACGME-accredited neurosurgery residency program qualifies as OPT-authorized employment for F-1 students. Your position must be directly related to your field of study, and your DSO must have your employer information on file in SEVIS. Confirm accreditation status with your program before your start date.

Is there a STEM OPT extension available for medical school graduates?

No. The STEM OPT 24-month extension applies only to graduates of STEM-designated degree programs. MD and DO programs are not on the STEM designation list, so medical school graduates are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. Planning your visa transition to H-1B or J-1 early is critical.

How do I find neurosurgery training programs that support F-1 OPT students?

Most large academic medical centers and university-affiliated hospitals are familiar with sponsoring international trainees on OPT or J-1 exchange visitor status. You can browse employer opportunities and sponsorship-friendly positions on Migrate Mate, which focuses specifically on roles open to F-1 OPT holders. Always confirm visa support with the GME office before accepting.

What happens to my OPT status if my neurosurgery residency match is delayed or I go unmatched?

If you go unmatched or your start is delayed, you must report any unemployment period to your DSO. F-1 OPT allows a cumulative 90-day unemployment limit. An unmatched cycle can put you at risk of exceeding that limit and falling out of status. Explore alternative OPT-eligible clinical or research roles while you reapply.

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