OPT Reconstructive Surgeon Jobs

Reconstructive surgeon roles on OPT require employer sponsorship for H-1B visa or O-1 visas, and most hiring happens through hospital systems and academic medical centers. Your 12-month OPT window is tight given surgical fellowship timelines, so STEM extension eligibility depends on your specific degree program.

Find OPT Reconstructive Surgeon Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs13+
Work Type100% On-site
Top LocationPortland, OR
Most JobsOregon Health & Science University

Showing 5 of 13+ Reconstructive Surgeon jobs

Plastic and Reconstructive Hand Surgeon
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Added 4d ago
Plastic and Reconstructive Hand Surgeon
Baylor Scott & White Health
Temple, Texas
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Surgeons
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Plastic, Reconstructive & Burn Surgery Research Faculty
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Added 1w ago
Plastic, Reconstructive & Burn Surgery Research Faculty
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
Laboratory Research
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Healthcare Administration
Teaching & Instruction
Clinical Trials
$120k - $135k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
5,001-10,000

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Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
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Added 2w ago
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon
Allina Health
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
$562k - $662k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Adult Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgeon
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Added 3mo ago
Adult Reconstructive Orthopedic Surgeon
Northern Light Health
Bangor, Maine
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
$780k/yr
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist
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Added 3mo ago
Oculofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Specialist
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon
Nursing
Medical Specialists
Healthcare Administration
Physicians
On-Site
Doctorate
10,000+

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Reconstructive Surgeon

Target academic medical centers first

University-affiliated hospitals and academic medical centers are the most likely to have established visa sponsorship infrastructure. They regularly hire international surgical residents and fellows and are experienced navigating H-1B visa and O-1 petitions for physicians.

Clarify your OPT end date before fellowship applications

Reconstructive surgery fellowships often start on fixed dates that may not align with your OPT authorization window. Confirm your OPT expiration date and H-1B cap-gap eligibility before committing to a fellowship start date to avoid an authorization gap.

Understand how O-1A fits your credentials

Board-certified reconstructive surgeons with publications, awards, or hospital leadership roles often qualify for O-1A extraordinary ability status. This visa has no annual lottery and can be a more reliable path than H-1B for physicians with strong academic records.

Ask about J-1 waiver programs during your job search

If you completed residency on a J-1 visa, you may be subject to a two-year home residency requirement. Many states offer Conrad 30 waiver slots for physicians who commit to underserved areas, which can clear the path to H-1B sponsorship.

Confirm the employer files H-1B before your OPT expires

H-1B petitions for cap-subject employees must be filed by April 1 for an October 1 start. If your OPT expires before October 1, cap-gap protection only applies if your employer files on time. Confirm the employer's timeline in writing before accepting an offer.

Document your specialty training thoroughly for visa petitions

H-1B and O-1 petitions for reconstructive surgeons require detailed evidence that the role qualifies as a specialty occupation. Keep records of your board certifications, surgical case logs, fellowship completion letters, and any published research or peer review activity.

Reconstructive Surgeon OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a reconstructive surgeon on OPT?

Yes, but only in a role directly related to your degree program. If you trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery, your OPT employment must align with that specialty. General clinical or administrative roles outside your field of study would not qualify as valid OPT employment, and unauthorized work jeopardizes your immigration status.

Do reconstructive surgeon roles qualify for a STEM OPT extension?

It depends on your degree. If your medical degree or surgical training program is classified under a STEM-designated CIP code, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most MD programs are not STEM-designated, but some research-focused doctoral programs in biomedical engineering or computational surgery may qualify. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO.

How do I find reconstructive surgeon jobs that offer H-1B sponsorship?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers willing to sponsor international candidates. Academic medical centers, large hospital networks, and multispecialty group practices are your strongest targets. Avoid smaller independent practices, which rarely have the legal infrastructure to support H-1B petitions for surgical hires.

What happens to my OPT status during a surgical fellowship?

A fellowship counts as valid OPT employment as long as it falls within your authorized field of study and your OPT period is active. If your fellowship is paid, it must be with an employer enrolled in E-Verify if you are on STEM OPT extension. Unpaid fellowships can still count toward OPT requirements but must be documented carefully with your DSO.

Can a reconstructive surgeon qualify for an O-1 visa instead of H-1B?

Yes, and for many surgeons it is the stronger option. The O-1A visa recognizes extraordinary ability through criteria like published research, peer review contributions, speaking at surgical conferences, awards, or leadership in professional associations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Unlike H-1B, there is no lottery and no annual cap, making approval timing more predictable.