Cardiac Surgeon Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Cardiac surgeons qualify for multiple U.S. work visa categories, including H-1B visa, O-1 visa, EB-2, and EB-3 sponsorship. As a specialty occupation requiring extensive medical training, cardiac surgery positions typically receive strong approval rates for employment-based petitions, with most hospitals and medical centers experienced in sponsoring international physicians. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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As a Cardiac Surgeon at Franciscan Cardiothoracic Surgery Associates, part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) you will join our dynamic, award winning Team at the St. Michael Medical Center (SMMC) campus in Silverdale, WA. The Cardiac Surgery program at SMMC offers expertise in advanced treatment options for cardiac surgical conditions while achieving excellent outcomes.
Provide compassionate and expert care, conducting thorough assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to support the holistic well-being of patients and their families.
To be successful in this role you will be dedicated to excellent patient care and possess expertise in diagnosing and managing complex diseases with strong communication skills. You will also demonstrate a deep commitment to patient-centered care and the capacity to thrive within a collegial and supportive environment.
- Adult cardiac surgery; including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, aortic surgery, structural heart procedures, and arrhythmia surgery.
- We also offer comprehensive care for challenging cases, such as surgery for heart failure, redo cardiac surgery, and multi-valve repair and replacement.
- Currently, SMMC performs more than 300 major cardiac cases annually and recently completed its 1,000th TAVR procedure.
Our program is ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the nation for CABG survival rates by the CMS Hospital VBP program. SMMC is a well-respected Pacific Northwest hospital celebrating its fifth consecutive year of excellence with an STS three-star rating for CABG + Multi-procedural. Additionally, the program has been awarded the CommonSpirit Center of Excellence designation for isolated CABG (IsoCABG). We are consistently recognized by the Washington COAP surgery awards as a top-performing hospital for low mortality and high performance in key metrics, including the 2025 Cardiac Surgery Award. Furthermore, two of our surgeons were recognized as "America's Leading Doctors 2025 - Cardiothoracic Surgery" in Newsweek.
The SMMC campus underwent a $500 million expansion in 2020, and a new 74-bed North Tower opened in December 2025. The facility offers an incredible Pacific Northwest setting with mountain views. Our program features dedicated cardiac anesthesiologists, dedicated operating rooms, and specialized surgical teams. There is a strong sense of collegiality and teamwork in everything we do; our excellent outcomes are a testament to this culture and serve as the cornerstone of our program.
Job Requirements
Required
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution
- BC/BE; American Board of Thoracic Surgeons
- Unrestricted active Washington State Medical License or eligible to obtain
- Ability to obtain a DEA with full prescriptive authority required for the specific practice
- BLS and ACLS
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
- Commitment to excellent patient care, collaborative, team based care and long-term community engagement.
Preferred
- 5+ years experience in adult cardiac surgery highly preferred
- Fellowship; ACGME accredited cardiothoracic surgery fellowship
- New graduates with additional training will be considered
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
We offer a competitive, market-aligned compensation package:
- Competitive salary
- Sign On Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid malpractice insurance with tail coverage
- CME allowance and paid CME days
- Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Compensation Range: $719,000 - $1,096,000/year
Where You'll Work
THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AT YOUR DOORSTEP
The Kitsap Peninsula and surrounding communities of Bainbridge Island, Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Silverdale, and Poulsbo offer a lifestyle that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else in the country. You are minutes from trails, water, and mountains, yet a short ferry ride from the culture and amenities of Seattle.
Physicians who come here tend to stay, because the Pacific Northwest delivers:
- Pacific Northwest at your doorstep: over 250 miles of saltwater shoreline, kayaking, hiking, the Olympic National Park day trips, and year-round outdoor adventure
- Seattle without the commute: a scenic 35-minute ferry ride connects you to Seattle's world-class arts, dining, sports, and culture; leave the traffic behind
- Charming, walkable communities: Poulsbo ("Little Norway"), Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Port Orchard and Gig Harbor offer vibrant local culture, farmers markets, craft breweries, and waterfront dining
- Lower cost of living: significantly more affordable than Seattle; more home for your dollar and room to put down real roots
- Strong school systems: North Kitsap, Central Kitsap, and Bainbridge Island, school districts are consistently rated among the top in Washington State
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
Pay Range
$719,000 - $1,096,000 /year
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As a Cardiac Surgeon at Franciscan Cardiothoracic Surgery Associates, part of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) you will join our dynamic, award winning Team at the St. Michael Medical Center (SMMC) campus in Silverdale, WA. The Cardiac Surgery program at SMMC offers expertise in advanced treatment options for cardiac surgical conditions while achieving excellent outcomes.
Provide compassionate and expert care, conducting thorough assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to support the holistic well-being of patients and their families.
To be successful in this role you will be dedicated to excellent patient care and possess expertise in diagnosing and managing complex diseases with strong communication skills. You will also demonstrate a deep commitment to patient-centered care and the capacity to thrive within a collegial and supportive environment.
- Adult cardiac surgery; including coronary artery disease, valvular heart disease, aortic surgery, structural heart procedures, and arrhythmia surgery.
- We also offer comprehensive care for challenging cases, such as surgery for heart failure, redo cardiac surgery, and multi-valve repair and replacement.
- Currently, SMMC performs more than 300 major cardiac cases annually and recently completed its 1,000th TAVR procedure.
Our program is ranked among the top 10 hospitals in the nation for CABG survival rates by the CMS Hospital VBP program. SMMC is a well-respected Pacific Northwest hospital celebrating its fifth consecutive year of excellence with an STS three-star rating for CABG + Multi-procedural. Additionally, the program has been awarded the CommonSpirit Center of Excellence designation for isolated CABG (IsoCABG). We are consistently recognized by the Washington COAP surgery awards as a top-performing hospital for low mortality and high performance in key metrics, including the 2025 Cardiac Surgery Award. Furthermore, two of our surgeons were recognized as "America's Leading Doctors 2025 - Cardiothoracic Surgery" in Newsweek.
The SMMC campus underwent a $500 million expansion in 2020, and a new 74-bed North Tower opened in December 2025. The facility offers an incredible Pacific Northwest setting with mountain views. Our program features dedicated cardiac anesthesiologists, dedicated operating rooms, and specialized surgical teams. There is a strong sense of collegiality and teamwork in everything we do; our excellent outcomes are a testament to this culture and serve as the cornerstone of our program.
Job Requirements
Required
- Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from an accredited institution
- BC/BE; American Board of Thoracic Surgeons
- Unrestricted active Washington State Medical License or eligible to obtain
- Ability to obtain a DEA with full prescriptive authority required for the specific practice
- BLS and ACLS
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
- Commitment to excellent patient care, collaborative, team based care and long-term community engagement.
Preferred
- 5+ years experience in adult cardiac surgery highly preferred
- Fellowship; ACGME accredited cardiothoracic surgery fellowship
- New graduates with additional training will be considered
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
We offer a competitive, market-aligned compensation package:
- Competitive salary
- Sign On Bonus
- Relocation Assistance
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid malpractice insurance with tail coverage
- CME allowance and paid CME days
- Retirement plan with employer contribution
- Compensation Range: $719,000 - $1,096,000/year
Where You'll Work
THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AT YOUR DOORSTEP
The Kitsap Peninsula and surrounding communities of Bainbridge Island, Gig Harbor, Port Orchard, Silverdale, and Poulsbo offer a lifestyle that is genuinely hard to find anywhere else in the country. You are minutes from trails, water, and mountains, yet a short ferry ride from the culture and amenities of Seattle.
Physicians who come here tend to stay, because the Pacific Northwest delivers:
- Pacific Northwest at your doorstep: over 250 miles of saltwater shoreline, kayaking, hiking, the Olympic National Park day trips, and year-round outdoor adventure
- Seattle without the commute: a scenic 35-minute ferry ride connects you to Seattle's world-class arts, dining, sports, and culture; leave the traffic behind
- Charming, walkable communities: Poulsbo ("Little Norway"), Bainbridge Island, Kingston, Port Orchard and Gig Harbor offer vibrant local culture, farmers markets, craft breweries, and waterfront dining
- Lower cost of living: significantly more affordable than Seattle; more home for your dollar and room to put down real roots
- Strong school systems: North Kitsap, Central Kitsap, and Bainbridge Island, school districts are consistently rated among the top in Washington State
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
Pay Range
$719,000 - $1,096,000 /year
See all Cardiac Surgeon Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Cardiac Surgeon roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Cardiac Surgeon Jobs
Target academic medical centers and large hospital systems
Major medical institutions like Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and university hospitals regularly sponsor cardiac surgeons and have dedicated immigration departments to streamline the visa process for international physicians.
Complete USMLE Step 3 before applying
Most U.S. employers require cardiac surgeons to have passed all USMLE steps. Completing Step 3 demonstrates your commitment to practicing in the U.S. and strengthens your sponsorship case significantly.
Highlight fellowship training and subspecialty certifications
Specialized training in areas like thoracic surgery, pediatric cardiac surgery, or heart transplantation can qualify you for O-1 extraordinary ability visas, which have faster processing than H-1B.
Apply for EB-2 National Interest Waiver if you serve underserved areas
Cardiac surgeons working in medically underserved areas or critical access hospitals may qualify for NIW green cards, bypassing the labor certification requirement and employer dependence.
Time applications around residency and fellowship completion
Plan visa applications 6-12 months before completing training. Many hospitals prefer hiring cardiac surgeons who can start immediately rather than waiting for visa processing after training ends.
Prepare for extensive credential verification processes
Medical license transfers, board certification recognition, and hospital privileging take months. Start credential verification early and ensure your medical school transcripts are properly authenticated for U.S. immigration purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cardiac surgeons qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, cardiac surgeons easily qualify for H-1B visas as specialty occupations requiring advanced medical degrees. The role's specialized nature and educational requirements make approval rates very high, though you'll still need an employer to file the petition and may face lottery selection if cap-subject.
Can cardiac surgeons get O-1 visas instead of H-1B?
Yes, cardiac surgeons often qualify for O-1 extraordinary ability visas based on fellowship training, publications, speaking engagements, or leadership roles. O-1 visas have no annual cap, faster processing, and allow more flexibility than H-1B for highly accomplished cardiac surgeons.
What degree requirements apply to cardiac surgeon visa sponsorship?
You need an MD degree plus completed residency training in cardiothoracic surgery. U.S. employers typically require board certification or eligibility, USMLE completion, and active medical licensure. Foreign medical degrees are accepted if properly verified through ECFMG or similar credentialing organizations.
How long does visa processing take for cardiac surgeons?
H-1B processing takes 2-6 months (faster with premium processing), while O-1 applications typically process in 2-3 months. EB-2 green card applications can take 1-3 years depending on your country of birth. Plan applications well before your target start date to avoid delays.
Can cardiac surgeons change employers while on H-1B?
Yes, but the new employer must file a new H-1B petition before you can start working. You can begin employment once USCIS receives the new petition if your previous H-1B was approved. This process typically takes 2-4 weeks to initiate after the employer files.
How to find Cardiac Surgeon jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Cardiac Surgeon positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international medical professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus on major hospital systems, academic medical centers, and private cardiac practices that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1, or EB-2 visas for specialized surgeons. These healthcare institutions often have established visa sponsorship programs for critical medical specialties like cardiovascular surgery.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Cardiac Surgeon jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.