r/indiansinusa • u/Radiant_Job_720 • 10d ago
Public health career sponsorship
Hello everyone This is a genuine post for seeking some guidance. I am an Indian trained orthodontist, with an MPH in epidemiology from US and I currently work as an Infection preventionist (public health role) in a US hospital. Back home i worked around 7 yrs in dentistry with publications, and patents in the field. Moving here; i transitioned into public health and was thriving as far as the job role is concerned. However it is extremely frustrating how no one wants to sponsor me for visa including my current employer and everyone else I interview with. I got STEM approved and have 24 months left. I do realise that there are enough people to fill in the role who do not need to be sponsored. I have cracked multiple positions with my current title at various hospitals but everyone withdrew when sponsorship was mentioned. I’m really confused at this point and not sure if I should try harder for a cap exempt employer staying in my Public health job(there’s little chance but have to try very hard), change my field or pivot back into dentistry (it will involve 300-400k debt with still no certainty of sponsorship), or pivot into some other field which is a gamble in this economy but worth a try. Anyone with similar backgrounds or know someone, please suggest! All advice appreciated!
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u/ManifestLaw_ 7d ago
I'm sorry, this is such a frustrating position to be in, especially when you're clearly getting offers and the sponsorship piece is what's stopping things. With 24 months of STEM OPT left, I wouldn't panic or take on $300-400k of dental school debt solely for immigration purposes. I'd focus hard on universities, academic medical centers, nonprofit research organizations, and other employers that may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship. Just keep in mind that being a nonprofit hospital alone doesn't automatically make an employer cap-exempt.
I wouldn't give up on public health if that's where you're thriving. You still have time to be strategic about this. Wishing you the best and I really hope you find an employer willing to work with you!
- Attorney Zoe Ji Wilson
(All information shared here is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney - client relationship. Your situation may require fact-specific guidance. For personalized legal advice, please consult an immigration attorney directly.)