Plastic Surgeon Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Plastic surgeons qualify for multiple visa pathways including H-1B visa, O-1 visa for extraordinary ability, and EB-2 green cards through PERM labor certification. Medical residency completion and board certification strengthen sponsorship cases, though employers must demonstrate specialty occupation requirements for surgical subspecialties. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Plastic Surgeon JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 34+ Plastic Surgeon jobs










See all 34+ Plastic Surgeon Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Plastic Surgeon roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Position Basics
Type of Position: TENURE-TRACK/CLINICAL
Advertising Ends on: Extended Until Position is Filled
Advertising Started on: Thursday, September 10th, 2026
College: Carver College of Medicine
Department: Surgery
Salary
Salary: Commensurate
Position Details
Full/Part Time Status: Full Time
Position Description:
The University of Iowa Department of Surgery invites applications for a faculty position within the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The candidate will provide comprehensive plastic surgery care, with a focus in comprehensive breast reconstruction. Appointment will be for Assistant or Associate Professor in either the clinical-track or tenure track consistent with experience and research interest.
University of Iowa Health Care is the only academic medical center in the state, and the faculty are actively engaged in the education and training of medical students, residents, and fellows. We have an ACGME accredited Plastic Surgery Fellowship program as well as an integrated Plastic Surgery Residency.
University of Iowa Health Care is located in a Big-Ten college town. The Iowa City metropolitan area has a population of 175,000 and the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Corridor has a population of 450,000. Iowa City and the University of Iowa provide a rich cultural environment, highlighting art, music, and literature. There are ample opportunities for spectator and participation sports as well as a wealth of outdoor activities. Iowa City is a safe and friendly community ideal for raising a family and developing a successful academic career. The community has affordable housing and outstanding schools. It is regularly ranked amongst the most desirable places to live in the United States.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to criminal background and credential check.
University of Iowa Health Care offers a competitive salary and outstanding benefits package.
Education Requirement:
Candidates must hold MD, DO or equivalent degree.
Candidates must have completed ACGME accredited training in all phases of Plastic Surgery.
Required Qualifications:
Appointment to the tenure track requires research experience at a level which enables procurement of outside funding.
The successful candidate should demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, be committed to ongoing performance improvement, and to providing care as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
Demonstrated commitment to teaching, research, and clinical excellence is required.
Certifications:
Board eligibility/certification in Plastic Surgery.
Desirable Qualifications:
Microsurgery fellowship training is strongly preferred.
Professional job-related experience fostering or promoting a welcoming and respectful work/academic environment where people of all backgrounds and perspectives feel welcomed and appreciated; or demonstrated the ability to do so.
Online Application Required Documents
- Curriculum Vitae
- Name and Contact Information of References
- Letter of Interest
- Number of References: 4
To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.
Contact Information
Contact: Julie A Portz - julie-portz@uiowa.edu
Cmed-Surgery
Colloton Pavilion
160 Hawkins Drive
1562 JCP
Iowa City, IA 52242
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu, to inquire or discuss accommodation needs.
Prospective employees may review the University Campus Security Policy and the latest annual crime statistics by contacting the Department of Public Safety at 319/335-5022.
See all 34+ Plastic Surgeon Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Plastic Surgeon roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Plastic Surgeon Jobs
Emphasize board certification and subspecialty training
USCIS views board-certified plastic surgeons as highly specialized professionals. Highlight your American Board of Plastic Surgery certification, fellowship training, and specific surgical expertise to strengthen specialty occupation arguments.
Target hospitals and academic medical centers first
Teaching hospitals and university medical centers frequently sponsor international physicians. They understand visa processes better than private practices and often have dedicated immigration support staff and legal resources.
Consider O-1 visa for distinguished surgeons
If you have significant publications, awards, or recognition in plastic surgery, the O-1 extraordinary ability visa may be faster than H-1B. It bypasses lottery requirements and allows immediate filing.
Document your medical education credentials carefully
Foreign medical degrees require ECFMG certification for U.S. practice. Ensure your medical school is WHO-listed and obtain official transcripts early, as credential evaluation can take several months to complete.
Leverage research experience and publications
Academic medical centers value research backgrounds. Highlight peer-reviewed publications, clinical trials participation, and research grants in your sponsorship discussions. This strengthens both H-1B and O-1 applications significantly.
Plan around residency and fellowship timing
If completing U.S. training, coordinate visa sponsorship with program completion dates. Many employers prefer hiring surgeons who completed American residency programs, which can simplify the sponsorship conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do plastic surgeons automatically qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, plastic surgery clearly meets H-1B visa specialty occupation requirements due to the mandatory medical degree, residency training, and board certification. However, employers must still file the petition and demonstrate the specific position requires a surgeon's qualifications, not just any medical professional.
Can plastic surgeons get O-1 visas instead of H-1B?
Yes, if you demonstrate extraordinary ability through significant publications, awards, media coverage, or recognition in plastic surgery. O-1 visas bypass H-1B lottery restrictions and allow immediate filing, making them attractive for distinguished surgeons with strong credentials.
What degree requirements apply to international plastic surgeons?
You need a medical degree from a WHO-recognized institution, ECFMG certification, completion of plastic surgery residency, and board certification. Foreign medical graduates must pass USMLE exams and often complete additional training to practice in the United States.
How do H-1B approval rates differ for plastic surgeons?
Medical specialties including plastic surgery typically see high H-1B approval rates, often exceeding 85 percent, due to clear specialty occupation requirements. Denials usually stem from employer documentation issues rather than the surgeon's qualifications or the role's complexity.
How to find Plastic Surgeon jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Plastic Surgeon positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate to search specifically for roles at private hospitals, medical centers, and cosmetic surgery clinics. These employers frequently sponsor H-1B visas for specialized medical professionals. Focus on positions requiring board certification in plastic surgery, as these demonstrate the specialized skills that qualify for visa sponsorship programs.
Can plastic surgeons work in private practice on H-1B?
Yes, but the practice must be the H-1B petitioner and sponsor your visa. Solo practitioners cannot sponsor themselves. Many international surgeons start at hospitals or group practices before transitioning to private practice, which requires new H-1B petitions.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Plastic 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.