Physician Jobs for OPT Students

Physician roles on OPT are relatively rare, as most clinical positions require a medical license and ECFMG certification that take years to obtain. F-1 students in medical residency or research-track programs should confirm their OPT end date aligns with licensing timelines and explore STEM OPT extension eligibility if their program qualifies.

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Overview

Open Jobs9,580+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type97% On-site
Salary Range$212K – $267K
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsSignify Health

Showing 5 of 9,580+ Physician jobs

Unity Health Care
Physician
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Unity Health Care
New 9h ago
Physician
Unity Health Care
Washington, Washington DC
Medical Specialists
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Doctorate

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Benefis Health System
Physician - Internal Medicine Residency Clinic - Guaranteed Salary, 8 Weeks Off
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Benefis Health System
New 11h ago
Physician - Internal Medicine Residency Clinic - Guaranteed Salary, 8 Weeks Off
Benefis Health System
Great Falls, Montana
Nursing
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Teaching & Instruction
Physicians
Not listed
On-Site
Doctorate

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Bayhealth
Physician Palliative Care
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Bayhealth
New 14h ago
Physician Palliative Care
Bayhealth
Dover, Delaware
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
Doctorate

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Optum
Physician - Internal Medicine
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Optum
New 15h ago
Physician - Internal Medicine
Optum
Baytown, Texas
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$238,500/yr - $392,500/yr
On-Site
None
10,000+

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Houston Methodist
Physician Assistant
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Houston Methodist
New 17h ago
Physician Assistant
Houston Methodist
The Woodlands, Texas
Nursing
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Physician

Confirm your OPT timeline against licensing requirements

Medical licensing takes time. Check that your OPT authorization period, including any STEM extension, covers the full credentialing window before accepting a position or signing an employment agreement with a hospital or practice.

Target research and non-clinical physician roles first

Clinical attending roles typically require a full medical license, which most OPT students won't have yet. Research physician, medical scientist, and clinical research associate positions are more accessible and commonly available during OPT.

Verify that your program qualifies for the STEM OPT extension

Physician programs with a STEM classification, such as physician scientist or biomedical research tracks, may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Check your program's CIP code with your DSO before counting on that extra time.

Understand the ECFMG certification path and its OPT implications

International medical graduates must obtain ECFMG certification before entering residency. If you're pursuing this route, map out the certification timeline carefully and confirm your OPT status will remain valid throughout the process.

Pursue academic medical centers over private practices

Academic medical centers at major universities frequently sponsor H-1B visas and are more experienced with immigration processes than private practices. These institutions are far more likely to support your transition from OPT to long-term work authorization.

Discuss visa sponsorship intent before accepting a residency match

Residency programs vary widely in their willingness to sponsor visas after OPT expires. Raise the H-1B sponsorship question during interviews, not after matching, so you have clarity on long-term authorization before committing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Physician on OPT?

It depends on the role. Clinical attending positions require a state medical license and, for international graduates, ECFMG certification, which most F-1 students won't have completed during OPT. Research physician roles, clinical research positions, and physician scientist roles at academic institutions are more realistic options during your OPT period.

Does a Physician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Only if your degree program has a designated STEM CIP code. Standard MD programs do not qualify, but physician scientist programs, biomedical research doctorates, or combined MD-PhD programs with a STEM classification may. Confirm your program's CIP code with your Designated School Official before assuming you qualify for the 24-month extension.

How do I find Physician jobs that are open to OPT candidates?

Most general job searches don't filter for OPT eligibility, which wastes time on roles that won't consider candidates requiring work authorization. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lets you browse physician and medical research roles from employers open to sponsoring or hiring on OPT, saving you from applying blindly.

Which types of employers are most likely to hire Physicians on OPT?

Academic medical centers, NIH-affiliated research institutions, and large health systems with established immigration programs are the most likely to hire on OPT and sponsor H-1B visas afterward. Private practices rarely have the infrastructure to support work authorization processes. Federal employer positions and VA hospitals may have separate restrictions for non-citizen applicants.

What happens to my OPT if my medical residency start date is delayed?

OPT has strict unemployment limits of 90 days total, or 150 days on a STEM extension. If your residency start is delayed due to licensing or match timing, you risk exceeding that unemployment window. Report any employment gaps to your DSO immediately and document the situation, since unaddressed gaps can result in a status violation.

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