Hi, I have kind of a strange question. I’m a foreign student in the US, who has lived most of her life in the US. As a result, if you look at my CV, I probably look like your average American. I’m applying for postdocs now, and I’m not sure how to bring this up with the prospective PI. I don’t need the university to sponsor any visa for me (I have my own and becoming a postdoc won’t change my current immigration status). So when do I bring this up? If at all? My advisor mentioned that I don’t need to say anything unless the subject of what fellowships I qualify for comes up. Is it strange if I don’t say anything? Do I have to say something? Thank you for your replies in advance.

If you don't need the university to sponsor you, than I think it's not an issue. I would follow the advice of your advisor.

Disclose it if you want to. By the sounds of your advisor's advice, it isn't necessary to disclose it (unless in relation to applying for fellowships). However, if you wish to disclose it then go ahead. Just make it clear that you don't need a sponsor or whatever so that it doesn't hinder anything.

why should you disclose if there is no difference to the post? Your nationality is your own business, like your sexuality.

Perhaps some people might like to say where they are from if it comes up. Where's the problem?