Hi and thanks to anyone who takes the time to read my question.

I am a non-american bachelor's degree holder and I have a job with a science lab in Baltimore. Since it is academia, the pay is not very high and they're still checking if I qualify for a H1 visa.

If the pay is below the required minimum wage, do I have to relinquish the job? Are there ways of bridging the gap? (For eg. from personal funds or applying for scholarships) and I am not keen on applying for a J1 visa.

Let me know if you need more information.