How a Nigerian IMG Became a U.S. Citizen: The Real Timeline + Key Paperwork with Dr. Tolulope Abikoye (IMG Roadmap Series #126)

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What does it actually take for an IMG to go from completing medical training in the U.S. to obtaining permanent residency—and eventually U.S. citizenship?

In this episode of the IMG Roadmap Podcast, we speak with Dr. Tolulope (Tolu) Abikoye, a Nigerian IMG and Family Medicine physician who completed the full journey—from arriving in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, to J-1 residency, securing a J-1 waiver job, transitioning to H-1B, obtaining an employment-based green card, and finally becoming a U.S. citizen in December 2025.

This episode is for IMGs who want clarity, not confusion.

How do IMGs really move from residency to staying in the U.S. long term?

Dr. Tolu explains why most residency programs sponsor J-1 visas, why H-1B options are more limited, and how he made strategic decisions early in residency that shaped everything that came after.

We add critical context on why understanding visa sponsorship before Match Day can save years of stress later.

What happens after J-1 residency ends?

This is where many IMGs feel lost.

The J-1 visa comes with a two-year service requirement in the home country of the IMG—but Dr. Tolu walks through how physicians can legally remain in the U.S. by obtaining a waiver and working in an underserved area.

We break down the Conrad 30 waiver in plain language:

Each U.S. state runs its own program
Typically 30 physician slots are available per year
Usually requires a 3-year service commitment
Jobs must be in designated shortage areas

How does a waiver lead to a green card?

This is where the paperwork becomes intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

Dr. Tolu explains the three major steps of an employment-based green card:

PERM (labor certification)
I-140 (immigrant petition)
I-485 (adjustment of status)

He also shares a hard-earned lesson: even employer-provided attorneys can make mistakes—so IMGs must stay informed, proactive, and involved in their own cases.

When should IMGs start planning for waiver jobs and green cards?

Earlier than most people think.

Dr. Tolu began planning in his second year of residency, and in this episode he explains:

When to start job searching
What questions to ask employers
How to avoid becoming the first “test case” at a hospital that has never sponsored a physician before

Listen to our episode with ⁠Dr. Tallah⁠ who went through the National Interest Waiver route!

How does permanent residency turn into U.S. citizenship?

Once a green card is secured, the timeline becomes clearer.

Dr. Tolu explains:

The 5-year general rule for citizenship
The 3-year option for those married to U.S. citizens
Filing the N-400
What the interview and civics exam actually look like

Why community matters in the IMG journey

Both Dr. Nina and Dr. Tolu emphasize the importance of not doing this alone.

They discuss a closed, physician-only WhatsApp group where IMGs share real-time experiences about waivers, green cards, attorneys, and USCIS timelines—created to support physicians navigating the system together.

Eager to connect with Dr. Tolu? Feel free to shoot him an email at ⁠tolusubscribed@gmail.com⁠