Thoracic Surgeon Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Thoracic surgeons qualify for EB-2 and EB-1B green cards through their medical specialization, plus H-1B sponsorship from hospitals and medical centers. Your medical degree, residency completion, and board certification in thoracic surgery meet specialty occupation requirements for most visa categories. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) is recruiting a full time BE/BC Thoracic Surgeon to join our team at Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC) in Seattle, Washington.
About VMMC
Virginia Mason, established in 1920 in Seattle, WA, is internationally recognized as a preeminent health care organization focused on delivering quality services to our patients. We have a 336-bed hospital in Seattle and multi-specialty medical group practice with more than 450 physicians. With a network of primary, specialty, neighborhood clinics and regional medical centers; you will find our culture is the very definition of best practices and a model that is the benchmark for other medical organizations. Join us, and find out how many ways Virginia Mason offers you the chance to focus on what really matters—your patients.
Job Requirements
- BE/BC in Thoracic Surgery from the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
- Fellowship or advanced training in thoracic surgery preferred
- Ability to obtain a medical professional license in the State of WA
- Ability to obtain a DEA with full prescriptive authority needed for specific practice
Where You'll Work
About Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
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.
Living in the Pacific Northwest
Located in the Pacific NW, Seattle is an area with a mild climate year round and close to the great outdoors where we enjoy an abundance of activities with our close proximity to the waters of Puget Sound and surrounding mountains. City life and cultural activities are also thriving. With a variety of neighborhoods and areas to work and live, there are many choices for the type of lifestyle you’d like to enjoy.
Pay Range
$550000 - $800000 /year
Job Summary And Responsibilities
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) is recruiting a full time BE/BC Thoracic Surgeon to join our team at Virginia Mason Medical Center (VMMC) in Seattle, Washington.
About VMMC
Virginia Mason, established in 1920 in Seattle, WA, is internationally recognized as a preeminent health care organization focused on delivering quality services to our patients. We have a 336-bed hospital in Seattle and multi-specialty medical group practice with more than 450 physicians. With a network of primary, specialty, neighborhood clinics and regional medical centers; you will find our culture is the very definition of best practices and a model that is the benchmark for other medical organizations. Join us, and find out how many ways Virginia Mason offers you the chance to focus on what really matters—your patients.
Job Requirements
- BE/BC in Thoracic Surgery from the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
- Fellowship or advanced training in thoracic surgery preferred
- Ability to obtain a medical professional license in the State of WA
- Ability to obtain a DEA with full prescriptive authority needed for specific practice
Where You'll Work
About Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
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.
Living in the Pacific Northwest
Located in the Pacific NW, Seattle is an area with a mild climate year round and close to the great outdoors where we enjoy an abundance of activities with our close proximity to the waters of Puget Sound and surrounding mountains. City life and cultural activities are also thriving. With a variety of neighborhoods and areas to work and live, there are many choices for the type of lifestyle you’d like to enjoy.
Pay Range
$550000 - $800000 /year
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Thoracic Surgeon
Target academic medical centers and teaching hospitals
Universities and teaching hospitals sponsor more visas than private practices. They're familiar with the H-1B process and often have dedicated immigration attorneys to handle physician petitions.
Emphasize your subspecialty training and certifications
Highlight specific training in cardiac surgery, lung transplantation, or minimally invasive techniques. Specialized skills strengthen your H-1B petition and demonstrate the specialty occupation requirement.
Apply for EB-2 National Interest Waiver early
Thoracic surgeons often qualify for NIW based on healthcare shortage areas and the national importance of cardiac surgery. This bypasses labor certification requirements completely.
Leverage physician shortage designations
Many regions have designated thoracic surgeon shortages. Employers in these areas have stronger justification for H-1B sponsorship and faster green card processing through shortage occupations.
Consider J-1 waiver programs first
If you completed residency on a J-1, waiver programs through underserved areas or federal agencies can lead directly to green card sponsorship without H-1B requirements.
Document your research and publications
Academic achievements, published research, and conference presentations support both H-1B petitions and EB-1B extraordinary ability claims for physician researchers with clinical practice experience.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do thoracic surgeons qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, thoracic surgeons easily meet H-1B specialty occupation requirements. Your medical degree, completed residency in thoracic surgery, and board certification demonstrate the specialized knowledge required. Most hospitals and medical centers regularly sponsor H-1B visas for physician specialists.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as a thoracic surgeon?
You need an MD or equivalent foreign medical degree, completed residency training in thoracic surgery, and board certification or eligibility. ECFMG certification is required for foreign medical graduates. Your medical school transcripts must show equivalency to U.S. medical education standards.
Can thoracic surgeons get green cards without labor certification?
Yes, through EB-2 National Interest Waiver or EB-1B extraordinary ability petitions. NIW is common for physicians in shortage areas or those serving underserved populations. EB-1B applies if you have significant research publications and international recognition in thoracic surgery.
Do private practice groups sponsor visas for thoracic surgeons?
Some do, but it's less common than with hospitals. Private groups may be concerned about costs and administrative burden. Academic medical centers and large hospital systems have more experience with physician visa sponsorship and dedicated immigration resources.
How long does H-1B processing take for thoracic surgeons?
Standard processing takes 3-6 months, but premium processing gets decisions in 15 business days for an additional fee. Medical positions often qualify for expedited processing due to patient care needs. Start the process 6-12 months before your intended start date.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Thoracic 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.
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