145. 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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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Tolulope (Tolu) Abikoye, a Nigerian IMG practicing Family Medicine in Jacksonville, Florida.

Stay tuned as Dr. Tolu shares his 15-year journey from F-1 (MPH) to J-1 residency, completing a J-1 waiver job in rural Michigan, obtaining an employment-based green card, and finally becoming a U.S. citizen in December 2025.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why most residency programs sponsor J-1 (and why fewer sponsor H-1B)

• The J-1 2-year home requirement and why waivers are the gateway to staying in the U.S.

• Conrad 30 waiver basics (state-based, usually 30 slots/year, typically a 3-year commitment, must be in an HPSA)

• Green card steps (employment-based):

  PERM (labor certification)

  I-140

  I-485 (adjustment of status)

• Why to start planning early (PGY-2) + what to ask employers so for the smoothest journey possible. 

• Citizenship basics: N-400, 5-year general rule vs 3-year marriage-based rule, interview + civics test

• Resources & Links

  • The physician-only WhatsApp group mentioned in the recording has since migrated to a private Facebook Group, where the community continues to connect, share updates, and support one another throughout their IMG journey.You can join the Facebook Group here.
  • USCIS tracking: Create a USCIS online account to track filings and timelines.
  • VA, HHS/federal agency, DOD, hardship/persecution waivers, National Interest Waivers and more.

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

Eager to connect with Dr. Tolu? Feel free to shoot him an email at [email protected]

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- for IMG-related questions: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

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