Pulmonologist Jobs for OPT Students

Pulmonologist jobs on OPT require STEM-designated program enrollment to qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized training. Most roles are hospital-based and require active medical licensure, making early ECFMG certification and residency completion critical before your OPT clock starts.

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Overview

Open Jobs41+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type98% On-site
Salary Range$295K – $357K
Top LocationBartow, FL
Most JobsHouston Methodist

Showing 5 of 41+ Pulmonologist jobs

Saint Luke's
Pulmonologist
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Saint Luke's
Added 1d ago
Pulmonologist
Saint Luke's
Kansas City, Missouri
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Allied Health
Physicians
Not listed
On-Site
Doctorate

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CHRISTUS Health
Pulmonologist
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CHRISTUS Health
Added 4d ago
Pulmonologist
CHRISTUS Health
Texarkana, Texas
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
None
10,000+

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Houston Methodist
Pulmonologist
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Houston Methodist
Added 5d ago
Pulmonologist
Houston Methodist
The Woodlands, Texas
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
Patient Services & Wellbeing
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Doctorate
10,000+

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Medical College of Wisconsin
Pulmonologist
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Medical College of Wisconsin
Added 2w ago
Pulmonologist
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Clinical Support
Physicians
On-Site
None
5,001-10,000

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NYU Langone Health
Pulmonologist
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NYU Langone Health
Added 3w ago
Pulmonologist
NYU Langone Health
New York, New York
Medical Specialists
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
$230,000/yr - $300,000/yr
On-Site
None

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Pulmonologist

Confirm your program's STEM classification

Pulmonology fellowships tied to biomedical sciences or clinical research often qualify for STEM OPT extension. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before accepting a position, as the classification determines whether you get 12 or 36 months of OPT.

Secure ECFMG certification before OPT begins

Most U.S. hospitals require active ECFMG certification for international medical graduates. Without it, your OPT authorization won't help you start work. Begin the certification process during residency, well before your program end date approaches.

Target academic medical centers first

Academic hospitals and university health systems are more experienced with OPT paperwork and H-1B sponsorship pipelines. They hire pulmonology fellows regularly and often have dedicated HR staff who understand work authorization requirements for international medical graduates.

Time your OPT application around fellowship graduation

OPT must be applied for within a specific window relative to your program end date. Work with your DSO at least 90 days before your fellowship ends to file on time and avoid any gap between graduation and authorized employment start.

Ask about H-1B sponsorship intent during interviews

OPT gives you up to three years, but you'll need H-1B sponsorship for long-term work authorization. Ask directly whether the hospital has sponsored H-1B visas for physicians before and whether they plan to do so for this role.

Document all clinical and research duties carefully

For STEM OPT extensions, your training plan must reflect work directly tied to your degree field. Keep detailed records of research involvement, clinical trial participation, and any academic responsibilities that demonstrate a direct connection to your STEM-designated program.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can F-1 OPT students work as pulmonologists in the United States?

Yes, but only if you hold a valid EAD and meet all state medical licensure requirements. Most states require ECFMG certification, USMLE completion, and an active fellowship or attending position at an accredited institution. Your OPT work authorization must be active before your first day of clinical work.

Does pulmonology qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

It depends on your degree program's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your fellowship or graduate program is classified under a qualifying STEM category such as biomedical sciences or clinical research, you may be eligible for the 24-month extension. Confirm with your DSO and check your I-20 program classification before assuming eligibility.

How do I find pulmonologist roles that are open to OPT candidates?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, making it far more efficient than searching general job boards. You can browse pulmonology and physician roles where employers have indicated openness to candidates on OPT or those requiring H-1B sponsorship shortly after.

What happens if my OPT expires before I complete my pulmonology fellowship?

If your OPT EAD expires mid-fellowship, you lose work authorization and must stop working immediately. The most common solution is your employer filing an H-1B petition under cap-exempt status, which hospitals affiliated with universities or nonprofit research organizations can often do. Start the H-1B conversation with your program director at least six months before your EAD expires.

Do pulmonology employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?

Academic medical centers and large hospital systems have historically been strong H-1B sponsors for physicians. Pulmonologists are in high demand, particularly in critical care and sleep medicine subspecialties, which strengthens your negotiating position. Confirm sponsorship intent before signing any employment agreement, and request it in writing as part of your offer.

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