Using STEM Extension of OPT for Residency

[flywithcourage]

Hi!

I am an international medical graduate currently enrolled in a master of health informatics program with F1 visa. The master program is count as a STEM field for the 24 month OPT extension. I am wondering if F-1 OPT with 24 months extension, in this case, can be an option for a pediatrics residency right after the master program. Does anyone have a similar experience? Do most residency programs accept F1 visa applicants? Thank you very much!

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[NotAProgDirector]

Yes, many residency programs will accept an OPT extension of an F visa. However, you won't qualify for a residency on OPT. The OPT experience has to be directly related to the degree you obtain on the F. So if you do a residency in Health Informatics, that would be fine. But you won't qualify for an OPT in a standard medical residency.