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

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.

IMG Roadmap SeriesNina LumJanuary 18, 2026imgroadmapcourse, IMGroadmap, IMG Roadmap, J1 waiver, National Interest Waiver, conrad 30 waiver