Blogging with The Doctor Job

At The Doctor Job, we always suggest that a resident begins looking for a physician job about 9-12 months before they are scheduled to graduate. This is especially true for doctors that will be searching for J-1 Waiver opportunities, and we even suggest that 12-18 months might be more appropriate for a J-1.

However, it is very common that we hear from physicians in January and February who are still looking for J-1 waiver jobs for the July and August.

Is it too late for these doctors to find a position and get a J-1 waiver?

Yes and no.

If a physician was hoping to get a J-1 Waiver in some of the more popular states like New York, it is very likely that all of the waivers for the year have been granted by January. That’s why we recommend physicians start their search early!

However, just because an area like New York may have already granted all of their Conrad 30 waivers, does not mean that a physician is destined to return to their home country for a 2 year wait time. It is still possible to continue living and working in the United States, even if the doctor delayed search for a J-1 opportunity.

How can a resident find a J-1 waiver job as late as February or March?

Expand Your Search Geographically.

While it is true that the waiver positions in areas like New York or California fill very quickly, it is also true that areas like Wisconsin or Alabama may have positions open as late as May! If a doctor was hoping to be in a specific state that no longer offers J-1 waivers for the year, the next step is to find the states near by that will be most likely to have spots available.

Is that as good as living and working in your original first choice state or city? Of course not. That’s why we recommend physicians start their search early!

But it’s not too late to find a job if a doctor is ready to start planning smart.

Find a Job.

This may seem obvious, but I am always amazed how many calls I get from physicians who are desperate to get a J-1 waiver before their visa deadlines - and these doctors haven’t even begun their job search!

If it is February or March and a resident does not have a job lined up that qualifies for a waiver, it is time to ramp up the job hunt. Immediately. A doctor who waits for the very last minute is nearly guaranteed to wind up with a poor job and a low salary - or no job (and no visa).

Before a physician can even begin the process of applying for a waiver, they must have secured a position with an employer. If that requires the help of recruiters, networking, or a service like The Doctor Job - the doctor must be willing to do whatever it takes to secure a good job quickly.

Finding a J-1 waiver opportunity is not impossible even as late as February or March. It can be done, but it must be done wisely and quickly!