Almost all foreign medical graduates in J-1 status are subject to a requirement that they return to their home country at the completion of the training program for two years. Satisfaction or waiver of this requirement is necessary before moving from J visa status to most any other visa status. Therefore, in most cases a return to the home country for two years or a waiver of this requirement is necessary before a foreign doctor can obtain employment in the United States.
J-1 waivers are sometimes available to foreign medical graduates who have an employment offer that is important to a state department of health, usually if the doctor is working in primary care in a medically underserved area in the state. This waiver option is often called the State 30 Program because it is limited to 30 foreign medical graduate waivers per state per year.
The following is a chart our law firm has compiled summarizing which states will sponsor foreign medical graduates for J-1 waivers, and under what conditions. We caution that states change their policies all the time and without warning. The following list is as current as the information provided by each state’s web site, so it is best to check with us for the latest information.
A list of abbreviations is at the end of this document.
State: Alabama
Practice Areas: FP, IM, P, OB/GYN, PSY, Geriatrics
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA
Flex Slots: Yes
Fellowship Training Allowed: Up to 20 slots may be available for sub-specialty physicians if the slots are not requested for primary care or psychiatry or for hospitals in the Flex program. Sub-specialty physicians must be board eligible or board certified in the sub-specialty. J-1 physicians who have started or completed fellowship or subspecialty training may apply for a primary care waiver but must practice direct patient care at least 40 hours per week. Time in sub-specialty does not count towards the 40 hours.
Notable Requirements: Waiver requests must be made through an Alabama licensed medical facility or physician that is physically located in Alabama and is willing to offer the applicant employment for a minimum of three years. Must complete recruitment during six-month time frame immediately before submission of the waiver application.
Must provide actual copies of national and in-state advertisements, as well as written acknowledgement of receipt from Alabama medical schools in the case of Alabama medical school recruitment. Must provide certification that the employer is an Alabama licensed medical facility or physician located in the state of Alabama. Submit one original, un-tabbed application for the State Department and one tabbed copy for the Alabama Department of Health.
Application Review Timeline and Process: Awarded based on need, on a first-come, first-served basis. Primary care applications may be submitted between October 1 and September 30 (until the available 30 slots are filled). Rural hospitals participating in the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program (FLEX), and other Alabama employers located in non-Metropolitan Statistical Areas, are allowed to submit sub-specialist applications beginning on the first work day of October each year. Other Subspecialty applications may be submitted starting the first Monday of the first full week in January of each year. No more than 2 sub-specialty applications may be submitted for the same employer in any given year; if slots remain after April 1, an additional 2 sub-specialty applications may be allowed
Contact Information:
Niko Phillips
HPSA/J-1 Program Manager
Office of Primary Care and Rural Health
Alabama Department of Public Health
Bureau of Prevention, Promotion, and Support
201 Monroe St., Suite 1010
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: (334) 206-3807
Fax: 334-206-5434
Email: niko.phillips@adph.state.al.us
Internet: http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/ruralhealth/j1visa.html
State: Alaska
Practice Areas: Not defined
Designated Areas: HPSA, MUA/P
Flex Slots: 10
Notable Requirements: Evidence of unsuccessful efforts made to recruit an American physician for the position. Physician must sign a contract with the facility to practice for no less than 40 hours a week for three years. For the Flex 10 option, submit evidence that a significant amount of care provided by the J-1 physician will be for people residing in a HPSA or MUA. Director of hiring facility must send a letter, confirming physician’s continuous employment, to Alaska J-1 Visa Coordinator every six months.
Application Review Time and Process: All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Contact Information:
Liza Root
Primary Care Office
Office of Healthcare Access
Section of Rural and Community Health Systems
Division of Public Health/DHSS
3601 C Street, Suite 424
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907-334-2423
Fax: 907-269-0036
Email: elizabeth.root@alaska.gov
Internet: https://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Emergency/Pages/healthcare/workforce.aspx
State: Arizona
Practice Areas: FP, GP, P, OB/GYN, GIM, PSY (in mental health HPSAs)
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA or MUP.
Flex Slots: No
Fellowship Training Allowed: Up to 7 slots reserved for full-time specialists, but primary care physicians or psychiatrists may fill at least 22 of the 30 available slots. Specialists have to show exceptional need for their specialty. The program may use one slot at the discretion of the AZ Department of Health Services, which may be used for staffing emergencies or the loss of at least two physicians, unless the rural HPSA, MUA, or MUP has only one physician within a rural HPSA, MUA, or MUP within 6 months before the date ADHS receives the request. The discretionary slot will have to meet the HPSA, MUA, MUP requirement.
Notable Requirements: Must provide a recruitment narrative with proof that a good faith effort was made to recruit a U.S. physician in the same salary range, including a description of efforts and copies of ads or announcements, number of U.S. physicians who applied and outcome of any interviews. Sliding discount-to-fee schedules must be based on current federal poverty guidelines and adhere to A.A.C. R9-1-504 sliding fee schedule submission and content. Facility must complete service site application.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted starting October 4 and must be postmarked on or before November 30; review is 8-12 weeks. The Automated J-1 Visa Waiver Application System will go live in time for the Fiscal Year 2022 J-1 Visa Waiver Application cycle on October 4, 2021. The required hard copy documents must be received by ADHS or post-marked on or before the due date for the application to be considered for a waiver slot. Applications are reviewed for completeness, inclusion of all documents, service site eligibility, the J-1 physician’s eligibility, and adherence to the Arizona J-1 Visa Waiver Program state and federal guidelines. If slots remain available at the end of the first application period, the program will begin accepting applications for its second cycle immediately after the first cycle closes. Second cycle application duration, and a possible third application period, will be determined by number of remaining available slots.
Contact Information:
Edith Di Santo, MPH
Primary Care Office Chief
Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health
Arizona Department of Health Services
150 N 18th Ave, Suite 320
Phoenix, Arizona 85007
Phone: (602) 542-1066
Email: edith.disanto@azdhs.gov, j1@azdhs.gov
Internet: http://www.azdhs.gov/hsd/workforce/j-1-waiver/index.htm
State: Arkansas
Practice Areas: PC and any specialty will be considered
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA, MUP, FQHC, CHC
Flex Slots: Up to 10 Flex spots are available for IMGs practicing in facilities outside of the federally designated areas, but who serve patient populations residing in one or more of the designated areas. Applicants must submit evidence that at least 30% of the patients seen at the practice site are from a HPSA, MUA, or MUP.
Fellowship Training Allowed: No distinction between primary care and specialties.
Notable Requirements: Contract must be 40 hours/week for 3 years; salary stated; no non-compete/non-solicitation clauses. If applicant has received funding from home country a statement of no objection from the home country must be included. Recruitment efforts must be described.
Application Review Time and Process: Initial application period of October 1-10, after which applications for remaining waiver slots reviewed on a first come first served basis, with a final submission date of September 15 unless specific permission is obtained by the Arkansas J-1 Visa Waiver Program. See application checklist. Additional placements can be applied to through the Delta Regional Authority.
Contact Information:
Quinyatta Mumford
Section Chief
J-1 Visa Waiver Program
Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
4815 West Markham, Mail Slot 22
Little Rock, AR 72205
Quinyatta.mumford@arkansas.gov
Telephone: (501) 280-4563
Fax: (501)280-4706
Internet: http://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/j-1-visa-waiver-program
State: California
Practice Areas: GIM, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA, MUP
Flex Slots: No
Fellowship Training Allowed: Applications are prioritized for primary care physicians in federally designated underserved areas, including internist, family practice, pediatrician, psychiatrist, and OB/GYN. Waiver slots will open to all specialists for HPSA, MUA or MUP areas if all 30 waiver slots are not filled by primary care physicians on July 1.
Notable Requirements: Must demonstrate efforts to recruit a U.S. physician and provide long-range plans for retention of foreign physician. Must document the need for a proposed specialty using population-based data relevant to the proposed specialty (morbidity, mortality, population/physician ratio etc.). Must provide services to a caseload that is comprised of at least 30% Medicaid patients or a caseload that includes a combination of at least 30% Medicaid and uninsured patients throughout the three-year contract period.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications are accepted starting October1st until June 30 for primary care physicians in federally designated underserved areas and are reviewed in the order received. Effective July 1-September 30, applications are accepted from primary care physicians and specialists if slots remain available. All applications will be held for 30 days and prioritized in the following order: primary care physicians working in a rural clinic located in a HPSA, MUA, MUP, or MHPSA, followed by an urban clinic located in a HPSA, MUA, MUP, or MHPSA; cardiologists, gerontologists, or pediatric sub-specialists working in a HPSA, MUA, or MUP; lastly, other specialists working in a HPSA, MUA, or MUP.
Contact Information:
J-1 Visa Waiver Coordinator
Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development
Healthcare Workforce Development Division
2020 West El Camino Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95833
E-mail: J1VisaWaiverProgram@oshpd.ca.gov
Internet: https://oshpd.ca.gov/workforce-capacity/california-primary-care-office/j-1-visa-waiver-program/
State: Colorado
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, PSY,
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP, MHPSA
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10
Fellowship Training Allowed: The program prefers outpatient primary care placements but considers applications for specialists and inpatient assignments if the healthcare facility demonstrates a shortage of that specialty in the area of service. The application must show the entire facility is able and willing to serve the under-served population of the service area (patients on Medicaid, Medicare, and the uninsured).
Notable Requirements: Must show 6 months of recruitment efforts, and there is a $1,000 application fee for a complete application review and waiver determination. Requires application inclusion of steps to improve J-1 physician retention in the community after the service commitment is complete.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications reviewed in the order they are received (October 1- September 30) based on their own merit until 30 recommendations are made to the DOS. Three to four months for the entire approval process. Considerations include: completeness of the application, demonstrated need in the community, the healthcare facility’s retention plan, and the degree to which the physician’s training is reflected as matching the community’s needs. .
Contact Information:
Natalie Kwofie
Workforce Development Specialist
Primary Care Office
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, A5
Denver, CO 80246-1530
Phone: 303-692-2514
Fax: 303-692-3562
Email: natalie.kwofie@state.co.us
State: Connecticut
Practice Areas: Open to all licensed physicians and surgeons
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10, but in the event that the total number of applications received is more than the maximum number permitted under federal law, no more than three (3) Flex waiver applications may be forwarded to the director.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Will consider all medical specialties, subspecialties, and surgeons based on need. Up to 10 Flex slots will be available to facilities that document that at least 30% of its patients reside in a designated shortage area, describe the need for the physician’s services, and show how it will benefit the indigent and medically underserved latter half
Notable Requirements: Demonstrate evidence that required recruitment efforts for an American physician have failed. Preference is given to specialties serving an identified and specific need. Physician must be licensed in Connecticut; the Department will not accept a pending license application as proof of licensure.
Application Review Time and Process: Hard copy and emailed PDF applications will be accepted starting on October 1 until October 15. If slots are left open, the department will continue to receive applications until April 1st or until the number of applications deemed complete reaches the maximum permitted under federal law, whichever occurs first. Any applications received after October 15th will be evaluated in the order of their receipt. If the Department receives greater than thirty (30) complete applications, all qualifying applications will be entered into a lottery system to randomly select thirty (30) applications
Contact Information:
Rahul Darwar
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Public Health Systems Improvement
Primary Care Office
410 Capitol Avenue, MS#13PHSI
Hartford, Connecticut 06134-0308
Phone: (860) 509-8057 or (860) 509-7603
Fax: (860) 707-1984
Email: oplc.dph@ct.gov or DPH-PCO@ct.gov
State: Delaware
Practice Areas: FP, IM, P, OB/GYN
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10 slots are used for areas that are not designated as a shortage area but have been identified by the state as being underserved.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Fellowship experience permitted for any specialty with documentation of need in the service area.
Notable Requirements: Site must be pre-approved and include a needs assessment, proof of attempts to hire a U.S. physician, at least three letters of support from community leaders residing within the site service area, and retention strategy. $200 Site Application fee. Pre-approved sites must also pay a non-refundable $250 waiver processing fee. Sites approved to participate in the J-1 Visa Waiver Program must also participate in state programs designed to increased access to care for the uninsured/under insured such as the Community Healthcare Access Program (CHAP), the VIPII provider network, and, if appropriate other charitable programs. Site applications must be submitted by June 30. Applications submitted after this time must show “emergent need.”
Application Review Time and Process: Rolling application period.
Contact Information:
Joan Barnwell
Social Service Administrator (HPRM)
Conrad 30/J-1 Program Manager
Edgehill Shopping Center
43 S. DuPont Hwy.
Dover, DE 19901
Telephone: 302-741-8599
Fax number: 302-741-8631
E-mail: Joan.Barnwell@delaware.gov
Internet: http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/hsm/j1visahome.html
State: District of Columbia
Practice Areas: GIM, OB/GYN, FP, P, G, PSY, HD, CNC, CRBVD, HIV/AIDS
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA/P Checked.
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10
Fellowship Training Allowed: Specialist applications are accepted in practice areas of DC’s leading causes of death (heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, accidents, HIV/AIDS, and chronic lower respiratory diseases). Checked. Other specialties may be considered with letters of support documenting the community’s need of the specific specialty or physician, including any unique qualifications, like language proficiency, that make the applicant suited to serving the patient population. Checked. 10 Flex spots held for those to be employed at facilities not located in a HPSA or MUA if the facility serves DC’s underserved, with an insurer-payer mix evidence showing at least 30% Medicaid insured, or 45% Medicaid, Medicare, uninsured, Alliance-insured, and/or reduced fees according to a sliding scale fee policy. Checked. The DOH provides National Interest Waiver recommendations for non-Flex slot J-1 waiver physicians after their 3-year commitment, provided they commit to continue another 2 years at the current or other qualifying facility in DC. Checked.
Notable Requirements: Contract agreement must be in place for at least 6 months before the application submission and must reference the position for which the J-1 physician is being hired. Checked. Facility must show two different forms of documentation of their recruitment efforts for six months before, by national or regional advertisements/postings, which specifically identify the facility, physician type, and the original posting publication date. Checked. Other documentation includes agreements with placement services, dated letters to residency programs, recruitment results (e.g., offer letters that have been declined), or other documentation that demonstrates the sponsoring facility has used public or private recruitment efforts in a broad attempt to fill the position. Checked. Employer must provide two reports per year to the Health Care Access Bureau until the three-year commitment is complete. Checked. Physician must enroll in DC Medicaid and Healthcare Alliance programs. Checked. No restrictive covenants; must provide contracts, no offer letters. Checked.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications are accepted on rolling basis. Preference is given to PC physicians.
Contact Information:
Ginger Pierce
Program Coordinator
Health Care Access Bureau
DC Department of Health
899 N. Capitol St. NE,
3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20002
Office: 202-442-5892
Fax: 2020-442-4947
TTY: 711
Email: geraldine.pierce@dc.gov
Internet: https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/j1-visa-waiver-program
State: Florida
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10 Flex spots are held for outside of federally designated shortage areas. The employer must prove that the physician will serve medically underserved patients.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Priority given to primary care physicians practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) at outpatient ambulatory care sites in rural communities and serving a Medicaid patient volume of 30% or greater. Applicants not practicing in the highest priority will be prioritized according to specialty (primary care over specialists), HPSA score, practice location (rural over urban), percent of patients served by Medicaid and sliding fee scale, and practice type (ambulatory outpatient care practices over safety net hospitals and critical access hospitals, followed by all other types of inpatient care facilities). National interest waivers are also available.
Notable Requirements: Physician must have only applied for a Conrad 30 Program sponsorship from the Florida Department of Health. Must have a current Florida medical license or have submitted a complete medical license application prior to requesting sponsorship. Sponsoring facility must accept Florida Medicaid clients and be actively billing Florida Medicaid, whether through Fee-for-Service or as a Medicaid Managed Care plan provider. Contract must include 40-hour work week in patient care for 3 years; should not include non-compete clause or termination without cause clause. A complete application packet includes: the J-1 waiver application, practice facility cover letter, employment contract, evidence of shortage designation status, physician’s curriculum vitae, J-1 visa waiver sponsorship application (DS-3035), and evidence of all previous J-1 status, etc.
Application Review Time and Process: Application packets will be reviewed for completeness. Application packages will only be accepted beginning the first Monday of October and must be received no later than 5:00 pm 10 business days thereafter. Notice on the decision emailed on or before December 31.
Contact Information:
Debbie Reich, MA
Primary Care Program Administrator
State Primary Care Office
Division of Public Health Statistics and Performance Management
Florida Department of Health
Bin # C15
Tallahassee, Florida 32311
Phone: 850-245-4446, ext. 2702
Fax: 850-922-6296
Email: Debbie_Reich@fhealth.gov or
DHAT_CommHealthResources@fhealth.gov; FL.PCO@flhealth.gov
State: Georgia
Practice Areas: IM, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA/P, MHPSA
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10. Flex waiver requests considered on a case-by-case basis;
however, priority is extended to requests for designated shortage areas (HPSAs/MUAs). Flex applicants must supply documentation that 30 percent of patients are from primary care HPSA or MUA/P. J-1 waiver service time in a flex/non-designated area cannot be applied toward the five-year National Interest Waiver (NIW) service requirement.
Fellowship Training Allowed: No limit on specialists. Applications will be prioritized in the following order: Primary Care physicians working in a rural county located in a HPSA, MUA, MUP, MHPSA (prioritized by HPSA score) followed by Primary Care physicians working in an urban county located in a HPSA, MUA, MUP or MHPSA (prioritized by HPSA score). Slots remaining will be filled by Specialist working in a HPSA, MUA or MUP (prioritized by HPSA score) followed by Flex slots. No more than three slots per facility (teaching hospitals are exempt from this limit). J1-waivers also awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Notable Requirements: Employer must show that a good faith effort was made to recruit for a U.S. citizen/permanent resident prior to signing a contract with a J-1 physician and submitting a J-1 visa waiver application. Physician must practice at least 40-hours a work week for 3 years. State Office of Rural Health (SORH) may schedule multiple site visits with the J-1 physician throughout the three-year service period. SORH requires semi-annual reports from the work site. Facilities and physicians must agree to charge patients at the usual and customary rate prevailing in the designated shortage area, unless the patient is indigent, in which case they should employ a sliding fee schedule based on the federal poverty guideline. Facilities and physicians must enter into an agreement with the Georgia Department of Community Health and provide medical assistance under Medicaid/ PeachCare for Kids®, and similar programs.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted starting August 1 and accepted year-round. Complete applications reviewed and recommended to DOS within 30 days.
Contact Information:
Beth Walker
Director, Primary Care Office
Georgia Department of Community Health
State Office of Rural Health
502 South 7th Street
Cordele, GA 31015-1443
Phone: 229-276-2750
Fax: 229-401-3077
Email: beth.walker@dch.ga.gov
Internet: http://dch.georgia.gov/georgias-j-1-visa-waiver-program
State: Guam
Practice Areas: Does not define primary care.
Application Review Time and Process: Applicants sign a contract with a Guam-based clinic or physician, complete the initial State Department application process, and make a written request for a letter of support from the Department of Public Health and Social Services. There is no separate application.
Contact Information:
Department of Public Health and Social Services
Health Professional Licensing Office
194 Hernan Cortez Avenue, Terlaje Professional Building,
Suite 213, Hagatna, Guam 96910
Mailing Address: 123 Chalan Kareta, Mangilao, Guam 96913
Phone: (671) 735-7404 thru 7411
Fax: 671-735-7412
Email: publichealth@dphss.guam.gov
Internet: www.dphss.guam.gov
State: Hawaii
Practice Areas: IM, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP, FQHC
Flex Slots: Yes
Fellowship Training Allowed: Up to 10 Flex slots available with documentation of necessity.
Notable Requirements: The requirements for the program follow the same requirements as the federal application. Must include information about necessity for Flex slots or specialist slots. Contact Rural Health Office for more information.
Application Review Time and Process: The state DOH recruits year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications for specialists are accepted year-round as are Flex spot applications.
Contact Information:
Matthew Shim
1250 Punchbowl Street, Room 216
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-586-4122
Email: matthew.shim@doh.hawaii.gov
Internet: https://health.hawaii.gov/opcrh/home/conrad-30-j-1-visa-waiver/
Or
Roger Scott Daniels
Phone: 808-961-9460
Email: RogerScott.Daniels@doh.hawaii.gov, Scott.Daniels@doh.hawaii.gov.
State: Idaho
Practice Areas: FP, IM, P, OB/GYN, GS, PSY,
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP, MHPSA
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10 and will only become available if slots are not utilized during the first six months of the federal fiscal year. No more than 5 of the 10 Flex waiver slots can go to specialist physicians.
Fellowship Training Allowed: 10 slots available to specialists for qualifying Idaho healthcare facilities located in federally designated shortage areas. If any of the 30 waiver slots remain unfilled on April 1, 5 of the 10 Flex slots available to specialists. National Interest Waivers are also available for foreign-trained physicians working in health professional shortage areas.
Notable Requirements: Non-refundable application fee to be determined per fiscal year at the discretion of the department director and will be no less than $1,000. Requirements for recruitment of an American physician includes regional and national print ads, show six months of prior efforts, and list of applicants and the reason they were not selected Contract must include 40-hour work week in patient care for 3 years; no-compete clause; termination only with cause; “No Objection” statement required if foreign government funding was involved Application must include recommendation from residency program. Incomplete applications require an additional re-submission fee. Only 2 waivers per facility.
Application Timeline and Process: Slots awarded on a first-come first-served basis, based on completeness. Priority will be given to physicians with language skills appropriate to the facility site community. Preference will be given to applications received from HPSAs having the greatest unmet need for primary care physicians.
Contact Information:
Alex Prado
Primary Care Office Manager
State Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
450 West State Street, 4th Floor
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0036
Phone: (208) 334-5993 or 208-334-0669
Fax: (208) 332-7262
Email: alex.prado@dhw.idaho.gov or RuralHealth@dhw.idaho.gov
State: Illinois
Practice Areas: FP, P, GIM, OB/GYN, PSY, and Combined Medicine/Pediatrics
Designation Areas: HPSA for primary care physicians; MHPSA for Psychiatrists; HPSA, MUA, MUP or where 51% of patients come from a HPSA, MUA or MUP for specialists
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10
Fellowship Training Allowed: May grant Flex waivers for an applicant outside of HPSA areas, if facility can show at least 51% of the patients come from a HPSA or MUA/P. In the first calendar quarter of the federal fiscal year, 4 slots reserved for psychiatrists and 6 slots for primary care physicians in rural facilities; 7 slots reserved for primary care and 13 reserved for specialists in urban facilities. Of the 13 slots for specialists, 10 slots may be given to Flex waiver specialists. In the second and third quarters of the federal fiscal year, remaining spots are available to primary care, psychiatry, and specialists in rural or urban areas. Only 2 waivers per facility allowed in the first and second quarters.
Notable Requirements: $3000 non-refundable application processing fee must be submitted in order for application to be considered complete. Facility must explain recruitment difficulties in application, physician’s expected practice arrangement, and the impact on their facility and on patients if the waiver is not approved. Employment contract cannot contain a non-compete clause or a liquidated damages clause; must have 40-hour work week minimum; comparable salary to physicians not part of the State 30 program. Facilities must have a Certificate of Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State. Facilities can document need for the specialist by providing physician-patient ratios in their specialty in the area and wait time comparisons for comparable specialists in underserved areas.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications are processed between October 1 and 31. If slots remain, applications are accepted again between January 1 and 31 and between April 1 and April 30. Applications not accepted after submission deadlines. Submission means an application has been received by IDPH by the submission deadline.
Application ranked according to the HPSA of MHPSA scoring system, with preference given to the medical facility with the greatest unmet need, defined according to HPSA threshold ratios, and for Flex waiver specialists, based on the greater number of patients served at the facility.
Contact Information:
Donald Jones, MBA
Manager – Health Professional Resources Section
Illinois Department of Public Health
Office of Policy, Planning and Statistics
Center for Rural Health
535 West Jefferson Street, Ground Floor
Springfield, IL 62701-0001
Phone: 217-782-1624 or 217-782-4977
Fax: 217-782-2547
TTY line: 800-547-0466
Email: don.jones@illinois.gov, Dph.nesp@illinois.gov, dph.j1waiver@illinois.gov
State: Indiana
Note: The Indiana Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) is under contract with the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to handle the initial processing of J-1 visa waiver applications
Practice Areas: FP, P, OB/GYN, GIM, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP, MHPSA
Flex Slots: Yes
Fellowship Training Allowed: All specialties may apply, but preference given to primary care physicians. Specialists include Hospitalist, Geriatrics, and all other physicians who have received additional Fellowship training. Flex applications are available to sites that show 50% or more of their patients over the last twelve months reside in an underserved area, by unduplicated, de-identified patient records indicating unique patient number and address.
Notable Requirements: Service site must be operational at least 6 months before request. Must show recruitment efforts for no less than 6 months; minimum 40-hour work week; three-year contract; comparable pay; use a sliding fee scale based on ability to pay for all patients at the facility who are uninsured and at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines; must complete verification of employment within first 30 days and then every 6 months. Must have license or show that application for full medical license has been submitted.
Provide a copy of a permanent license, copy of a temporary license, or a copy of application for a license. An electronic copy of a permanent license must be sent when available.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications may be mailed starting September 1. Must notify ISDH and IPHCA by email with tracking information included. The email notification determines the priority for the 2022 Cycle. If no email is received when an application is sent, the application will fall behind all other applications that have sent email notifications. Emails may not be sent before application is sent. Applications mailed prior to September 1st will not be accepted. If the number of applicants exceeds the 30-slot ceiling, applications starting with the 31st applicant, may be held and considered for the subsequent year if the applicant notifies the application reviewer via email.
Contact Information:
Natalie Morrison, MPH
Community Health Center Workforce Program Contractor
Indiana Primary Health Care Association
429 N. Pennsylvania St., Ste. 333
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: (765) 918-4431
Fax: 317-630-0849
Email: nmorrison@indianapca.org
Internet: https://www.indianapca.org/j1-visa-waiver-program/
State: Iowa
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, ER, OB/GYN, P, G, PSY, Substance Use Disorders,
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP. MHPSA
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10
Fellowship Training Allowed: Up to 10 Flex slots can be used for physicians practicing outside of HPSA, MUA or MUP areas. The order of priority: PC or mental health care providers in a shortage designated area; PC or mental health care providers in a rural, non-shortage designated area; PC or mental health care providers in an urban, non-shortage designated area; Specialists in a shortage designated area; Specialties in a rural, non-shortage designated area; Specialties in an urban, non-shortage designated area; any remaining requests in order of receipt until the 30 slots are filled.
Notable Requirements: Healthcare facility must file a statement on behalf of the physician, including a request that the IDPH act as an interested government agency; a statement that waiver request would be in the public interest; an explanation of the detrimental effect that would result if the exchange visitor is unable to continue his or her involvement with the program or activity of interest to the requesting agency or if the requesting agency is unable to employ the exchange visitor; a statement that services are provided to Medicaid- and Medicare-eligible patients, and indigent uninsured patients; etc. Highlight recruitment efforts: How long has the position been vacant; is recruitment specifically for the position being filled by the J-1 visa waiver requestor; what are the specific method/s used to facilitate recruitment; the number of inquiries received as a result of recruitment methods; the number of physicians identified as a result of recruitment method; the number of interviews conducted and if an offer was made. Physician must complete annual provider survey. Employer must complete and submit an annual report.
Application Review Time and Process: Submit 2 copies. Applications accepted from the first Tuesday in September to the last Friday in October for each fiscal year. Decisions will be sent out on or before February 1. Incomplete applications received before the deadline will be returned and can be resubmitted before a specified date of return, otherwise will be considered a new submission. Applications received after the last Friday in October will be considered for the current fiscal year only if the 30 slots are not filled. Applications will be reviewed according to request packet instructions, how well the requested information is addressed and how well the program requirements have been satisfied.
Contact Information:
Cristie Duric
Primary Care Officer
Bureau of Policy and Workforce Services
Iowa Department of Public Health
321 E 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Phone: 515-229-3913
Email: cristie.duric@idph.iowa.gov
Or
Kevin Wooddell
Administrative Assistant II
Bureau of Policy and Workforce Services
Iowa Department of Public Health
321 E 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
Email: kevin.wooddell@idph.iowa.gov
State: Kansas
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, ER, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA or MUA/MUP designated or updated within the last 4 years. Facilities with automatic HPSA RHC or FQHC also eligible
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10
Fellowship Training Allowed: Priority will be given in the following order: (1) primary care: Physicians specializing in FP, GIM, GP, OB/GYN, emergency medicine or psychiatry and will be working in outpatient ambulatory care setting; (2) Specialty: Physicians specializing in a primary care specialty (listed above) and will be serving in the capacity as a hospitalist. Physicians who are board certified in a non-primary care specialty directly related to the management of time critical diagnoses (STEMi, Stroke, and Trauma); (3) Specialty: Physicians specializing in all other specialties, with preference to specialties that directly support the coordination of care for patients with chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease). Kansas will use its authority to recommend up to 10 waivers each year for physicians to practice in areas that do not have the required federal shortage area designations, if the need for services can be demonstrated and if patients from designated shortage areas will be served. The employer must demonstrate evidence of unmet need. The employer statement of need must contain documentation that the facility where the physician will practice has sufficient patients who live in designated shortage areas to support at least one full time equivalent physician of the specialty provided by the physician named in the waiver application.
Notable Requirements: Any employer wishing to hire a physician must show that the practice has an open-door policy with patients and sign an agreement to accept all patients regardless of ability to pay. Have a written nondiscrimination policy and provide services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate fashion responsive to the needs of the area’s general population. The employer must show evidence of open recruitment and other options for hiring tried over a period of at least the six months. Physician to serve in the clinical practice of his/her profession full time and may be terminated only with cause and cannot be terminated by mutual agreement until the statutorily required 3 years have expired. Contract must contain a sentence stating what field of medicine the J-1 physician will practice a minimum of 40 hours per week and the practice site address. Include a statement that on-call is not included in the minimum hours. Contracts may not include any clauses that would require the J-1 physician to pay a sum to the employer for experience gained on the job or for the J-1 physician remaining in the area after the contract has ended.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications from September 1-November 30. Decisions issued via email on or before December 15. After November 30, if slots remain open, applications accepted and considered on a case-by-case basis.
Contact Information:
Joshua Koger
Program Analyst
Community Health Access
Bureau of Community Health Systems
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Curtis State Office Building
1000 SW Jackson St., Suite 340
Topeka, KS 66612-1365
Phone: 785-296-3380
Email: Joshua.Koger@ks.gov, kdhe.PrimaryCare@ks.gov
Internet: http://www.kdheks.gov/olrh/j-1visa_waiver_overview.htm
State: Kentucky
Program: Kentucky offers J-1 waivers through four programs: the State 30, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), HHS Exchange Visitor Program, and Delta Regional Authority (DRA) program. The former two programs are managed by Health Care Access branch of the state’s DPH. J-1 waiver physicians may also extend their service to HPSAs by obtaining a National Interest Waiver.
Practice Areas: FP, P, Medical/Pediatrics, IM, OB/GYN, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA/P, FQHC, Critical access hospitals and
safety net providers including community health centers, local health departments, publicly
owned health facilities
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10 slots.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Waivers will be evaluated with priority given in the following order: 1. Applicants who will practice psychiatry, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, medical/pediatrics or pediatrics. 2. Subspecialty applications (including hospitalists) will be ordered by the HPSA Score or MUA score. In cases where the facility is located in both a HPSA and MUA, the HPSA score will be used for prioritization. 3. Flex waivers.
Notable Requirements: Must submit detailed summary of recruitment efforts from 3-12 months before the application; 40 hours/week minimum for 3 years; evidence of eligibility for a Kentucky medical license; no objection letter from applicant’s home country. Discounts must be offered by whole facility to all patients with family incomes below 200% of poverty. Six-month reporting once applicant is approved and working.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications are accepted from October 1st-October 31st, or the last business day of the month of October if the 31st falls on a Saturday or Sunday. If any waivers remain available after the October deadline, applications will be accepted until July 30th or until all waivers have been awarded, whichever comes first.
Contact Information:
Shellie Wingate
Health Program Administrator
Division of Prevention and Quality improvement
Department for Public Health
Kentucky J-1 Waiver Program
275 East Main Street HS2W-B
Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-8966 x. 4003
Fax: 502-564-0655
Email: shellie.wingate@ky.gov
Internet: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dpqi/hcab/Pages/j1visawaiver.aspx
State: Louisiana
Practice Areas: P, OB/GYN, GIM, FP, G, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA/P
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Any specialty is permitted, with preference to PCs. For PCs, 80% of services must be PC work, or will otherwise be considered a sub-specialist. Up to 10 Flex slots per year, with 30% patient population residing in HPSA. Must show dire need for sub-specialty. Six slots reserved for specialists from October 1 to December 31. On January 1, any remaining slots will be supported based on a first-come first-served basis for completed eligible applicants, no matter the medical specialty. DRA and HHS Exchange Visitor Program waivers are also available in Louisiana.
Notable Requirements: Must have contract for a minimum of three years at a salary that meets prevailing wage; no non-compete clause or other means for restricting physician from working in the area after the contract period Must work 40 hours a week; 32 hours must be clinical. Facility must show recruitment efforts for at least 3 months before the application such as copies of ads, placement agreements, etc. copies of ads and placement agreements, and other evidence documenting unsuccessful attempts to recruit qualified US physicians. Facilities must have an active sliding fee scale in place at least 90 days before application submission. Must show 30% of patients are Medicaid, Medicare, or uninsured. Dental HPSAs will not apply. The Bureau may do site visits before and after support for a J-1 waiver physician without notice. Applicants must have completed residency in PC and provide Louisiana license or a copy of the application for this license. Facility must provide the number of patients treated in the previous year and proof of the site’s existence. Applicant must be represented by a board-certified attorney.
Application Review Time and Process: Starts accepting applications on a first-come-first-served basis on October 1 through March 31, 10 of the slots will be open to sub-specialists and specialists. On January 1, any remaining slot will be open to all positions (specialist or primary care) on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority to applicants who agree to serve in HPSAs and MUA/Ps, did residency/fellowship training in Louisiana, and to correctly completed packets.
Contact Information:
Yasmeen Mohammed
Workforce Development Coordinator, Primary Care & Prevention Services
Louisiana Department of Health Office of Public Health | Well-Ahead Louisiana
628 North 4th Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3118, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3118
Phone: (225) 342-4702
Fax: (225) 342-5834
Email: yasmeen.mohammed@la.gov
Internet: http://dhh.louisiana.gov/index.cfm/page/792
Or
Nicole Peace Coarsey, MPA
Program Manager
Email: Nicole.Coarsey@la.gov
Or
Darmyra Perry, MPH
Manager, Primary Care Office
Well-Ahead Louisiana
Louisiana Department of Health | Office of Public Health
225.342.1583 | Darmyra.Perry@la.gov
State: Maine
Practice Areas: Does not distinguish between primary care and non-primary care applications.
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10
Notable Requirements: Flex spots for up to 10 specialists outside of HHS designated health shortage areas per cycle. Evidence of recruitment and retention efforts during the past six months made to American candidates for the same position that the health facility intends to fill with a foreign applicant physician (e.g., copies of advertisements, agreements with placement services, flyers for health fairs, etc., all with dates clearly identified); a detailed description of the facility’s recruitment strategy and plan that includes the facility’s strategy for short and long-term retention. A statement, signed and dated by the applicant that declares s/he has not filed and will not file any competing application for waiver with any other state or federal entity. Waiver request must come from the employer or an immigration attorney and not directly from the applicant. Robust retention documentation expected.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted October 1 on a first-come first-served basis until slots full. An electronic form will open to facilities at 9:00 a.m. on October 1st. After review, Rural Health and Primary Care will invite successful applicants to send two complete copies of the application package by UPS or Fed Ex within three days of notification.
Contact Information:
Erica Dyer
Rural Health and Primary Care
Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
11 State House Station
286 Water Street, 5th Floor
Augusta, ME 04333-0011
Phone: 207-287-5562 or 207-287-5524
Fax: 207-287-5431
Email: erica.dyer@maine.gov
Internet: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/public-health-systems/rhpc/
State: Maryland
Practice Areas: All PCs and specialists
Designation Areas: HPSA and MUA/P
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10
Fellowship Training Allowed: Maryland currently has no clinical specialty restrictions but gives priority to primary care providers. 10 Flex slots are available.
Notable Requirements: 32 out of 40 hours must be direct patient care, not including hospital rounds, travel, and on-call time; 3-year contract; no non-compete clause. In appropriate cases, the state may make exceptions to the minimum hours of direct patient care to make allowances for specific statewide specialty shortages. The employer must post vacancy in all in-state medical schools and document recruitment efforts for at least 6 months to a year before application. Hospitalists are not considered to be primary care. ARC waivers available for primary care or hospitalists.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications are accepted October 1 to December 1. Both hard and email copies required for the application to be considered complete and to be reviewed. Approximately 8 weeks after the application closing date
spent in reviewing all complete applications. Recommendation to the
Department of State will be based on the current workforce shortage of the State, areas of
the State with specific need (rural and undeserved areas), type of primary care/ specialist service provided, OPHI’s Office of Primary Care’s Needs Assessment, site location in a HPSA, MUA, or MDH designated area, and other state priorities.
Contact Information:
Sara Seitz
Office of Workforce Development
Office of Population Health Improvement
Maryland Department of Health
201 W. Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767- 6123 or 410-767-4467
Fax: 410-333-7501
Email: sara.seitz@maryland.gov
Preferred method of contact: mdh.providerworkforceprograms@maryland.gov
Internet: https://pophealth.health.maryland.gov/Pages/J-1-Visa-Waiver-Program.aspx
Or
Sadé Diggs
Maryland Department of Health
201 W. Preston Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6123 or 410+767-7141
Fax: 410-333-7501
Email: sade.diggs@maryland.gov
Preferred method of contact: mdh.providerworkforceprograms@maryland.gov
State: Massachusetts
Practice Areas: IM, FP, P, OB/GYN, G, PSY (allopathic & osteopathic physicians are also included if trained in one of the aforementioned).
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP, MHPSA
FLEX Slots: Yes, up to 10
Fellowship Training Allowed: Subspecialty practice permitted at the discretion of DPH. Applications must provide detailed descriptive information and actual data that demonstrates the need for the physician and how the specialty physician will address the needs of the community and reduce wait times for that specialty. Up to 10 Flex waivers granted to facilities that can document that more than 30% of their patients reside in HPSAs or MUA/Ps or meet other unusually high-need criteria determined by DPH.
Notable Requirements: Preference given to primary care, greatest level of need, and applicable language skills. Prioritized areas include community health centers, hospitals with high federally qualifying disproportionate share percentages, critical access hospitals and other small rural hospitals, community based behavioral health care organizations, or facilities that have a high percentage of other government and free care payers or those that demonstrate other measures of high utilization by underserved populations. Facilities located in HPSAs or with MUA/P designations with a significant percentage of public payers such as MassHealth (Medicaid), Medicare and sliding fee or other charity care are also given priority. Sponsor must comply with J-1 monitoring; must demonstrate recruitment efforts and long-range retention plans beyond the 3-year obligations; include description of how long the position was vacant, how many inquiries were submitted, salary offered, and if position was offered to any U.S. citizens.
Application Review Time and Process: PC and specialist applications are accepted from October 1 to December 31. Reviews will be conducted in January and notifications sent by the end of March. If spots remain, the program may open a second round for those eligible applicants that were not supported in the January review.
Contact Information:
Nicole Watson
Recruitment and Retention Program Coordinator
Health Care Workforce Center
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
67 Forest Street, Suite 100
Marlborough, MA 01752
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Phone: (617) 519-8386 or (617) 624-6051
Email: nicole.watson@mass.gov, nicole.watson@state.ma.us
Internet: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-the-conrad-30-j-1-visa-waiver-program
State: Michigan
Practice Areas: IM, FP, P, OB/GYN, PSY, (all primary care providers treating institutionalized populations (i.e., prisons or psychiatric hospitals) will also be counted as primary care providers.
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10. only if there are slots available after all waiver applications within designated shortage areas have been allocated.
Fellowship Training Allowed: All medically essential specialists as well as hospitalists may apply, but limit in place. Must demonstrate a need for that physician specialty. Need demonstrated by sufficient documentation that shows that the specialty is critical to the delivery of services in the community, the specialist is in high demand and the specialist will serve the needs of the community’s Medicaid, Medicare, and uninsured populations.
Notable Requirements: Priority is given to safety-net providers, to applications for full-time primary care for physicians who are not otherwise eligible for the United States Exchange Visitor Program – Clinical Care, and to placements in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). A paragraph-long narrative about the unsuccessful attempt to locate qualified US physicians. No detailed recruitment documentation required. Physician must provide clinical services; must have a 3-year contract to work in a qualifying practice site; must agree to begin employment with 90 days of receiving a waiver; work 40 hours/week; practice 100% in the specialty stated in contract; must have MI license (or pending application); No non-compete contracts or covenants. Prevailing wages must be provided for term of contract. Once placed, the physician’s patients must consist of at least 30% combined Medicaid, discounted sliding fee, and uninsured.
Application Timeline and Process: Applications available on request after June 1, accepted September 1 until November 1. Incomplete applications and those received after deadline will not be accepted. Determinations are NOT made on a first-come, first-serve basis, but on the basis of the eligibility requirements and selection criteria specified.
Contact Information:
Megan Linton, JD
Workforce/Access Analyst
Office of Planning
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
J1 Visa Waiver Program
P.O. Box 30195
Lansing, MI 48909
Phone: (517) 335-6713
Toll Free: 1-800-479-1666
Fax: 517-284-4993
Email: LintonM3@michigan.gov
Internet: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2945_47635-175777–,00.html
State: Minnesota
Practice Areas: FP, GS, IM, OB/GYN, P, PSY
Designation areas: HPSA, MUA/P
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10
Fellowship Training Allowed: Up to 10 Flex slots. Must document that the facility has sufficient patients who live in designated shortage areas to support the physician of the specialty provided by physician named in the waiver application. Priority given to PC physicians, primary care sites located in rural locations, primary practice sites located in urban MUA/Ps, primary practice sites for organizations with a facility or specialty population HPSA (Examples include FQHCs, Rural Health Clinics, Health Care for the Homeless, etc), physicians with demonstrated cultural competency, and physicians understanding of the service community they will work within, and other factors that demonstrate likely retention.
Notable Requirements: Physician must work at the health care facility for a total of at least 3 years and 40 hours per week. Waiver request must come from employer on behalf of the applicant. Must demonstrate that the facility has an in-place sliding fee schedule or similar written indigent care policy for determining discounts or charity care based on the patient’s ability to pay. The policy must be posted in a place that is accessible to patients and potential patients. Must provide a copy of the charity care policy and describe how it is made available. Must clearly demonstrate that a suitable replacement for the physician cannot be found through recruitment or any other means. Facility director should provide a one-to-three-page letter explaining any issues with the application that will help the review committee select waivers that best meet the needs of the state. The health care facility must detail long-range plans for retention of the physician. Applications must be complete to be accepted.
Application Timeline and Process: Applications are accepted from mid-September until the last business day in November. Applications received by October 15 will receive an initial review for minimum legal requirements. Applications received after November 30 will not be reviewed unless fewer than 30 complete applications have been received, in which case, application will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Contact Information:
Paia Vang
Office of Rural Health and Primary Care
Minnesota Department of Health
625 Robert Street North
St. Paul, MN 55155-2538
Phone: 651-201-3856 or 651-201-3838
Fax: 651-201-3830
Email: paia.vang@state.mn.us or health.orhpc@state.mn.us
Internet: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/ruralhealth/j1/index.html
State: Mississippi
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, GP, OB/GYN, PSY, and all specialists including ER
Designation Area: HPSA, MHPSA
Flex Slots: Yes, in accordance with current federal guidelines.
Fellowship Training Allowed: 10 Flex slots given when serving 30% patient population from nearby HPSAs. Specialists in shortage areas will be considered. ARC waivers are also available through a separate program administered by the MSDH. Facilities within ARC counties may recruit specialists and psychiatrists but not PCs under the Conrad State 30 program.
Notable Requirements: Request for site predetermination must precede waiver application. $1,500 non-refundable waiver processing fee must be submitted with complete application. Recommended 4-year contract; submit weekly work schedule (cannot work less than 4 days a week); Must provide evidence of national and regional recruitment efforts conducted in the 3 months before the site predetermination application, including copies of print or online ads and certified letters to medical schools. Facility must provide proof it has been operational for at least the 6 months before the application. Applying physician cannot be more than 210 days ‘out of status’ since receiving a visa, and where applicable, must provide a ‘no-objection’ letter. Percentages of Medicaid, Medicare, and indigent, uninsured patients served must be included in application. PCs working within a HPSA, MUA or PSA may also apply for NIWs.
Application Timeline and Process: Applications accepted during the fiscal year. Health care facilities/sites must submit written correspondence to the Office of Rural Health and Primary Care requesting the J-1 Visa Application Packet and requesting that a “Site Predetermination” be conducted. Processing takes up to 180 days after the site pre-determination application is submitted.
Contact Information:
MS Office of Primary Care
Mississippi State Dept. of Health
P.O. Box 1700
570 East Woodrow Wilson
Jackson, MS 39216
Phone: 601-576-7216
Status Inquiries: 202-633-1600
Internet: http://www.msdh.state.ms.us/msdhsite/_static/44,455,112,181.html
State: Missouri
Practice Areas: FP, GP, GIM, OB/GYN, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA
Flex Slots: No
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, sub-specialties accepted if slots are available.
Notable Requirements: A waiver request must come from a Missouri health care facility on behalf of a J-1 Visa physician. A statement of reason from the applicant regarding the applicant’s reason for not wishing to fulfill the two-year county residence to which the physician agreed at the time of acceptance of exchange visitor status. A copy of Missouri Licensure, or proof of application and paid fee, from the Missouri Board of Healing Arts.
Application Review Time and Process:
Applications accepted from October 1 through October 31.
Contact Information:
Aleesha Jones
Rural Health and Primary Care
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
930 Wildwood Drive
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: 573-751-6441 or 800-891-7415
Fax: 573-522-8146
Email: ORHPCinfo@health.mo.gov
Internet: http://health.mo.gov/living/families/primarycare/j1visa/index.php
State: Montana
Practice Areas: IM, FP, OB/GYN, P, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA (Preferred), MUA, MUP, FQHC or special population areas including low income, Medicaid, or Native American populations.
Flex Slots: Up to 10 for specialties and non-designated areas.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. 10 slots are reserved for specialists. Preference given to primary care physicians and then to psychiatrists who fill a documented community health care need. Preference is also given to physicians currently completing a residency program in the State of Montana.
Notable Requirements: Must submit two copies—one original and one copy—of application; must show proof of at least 6 months recruitment; required contract terms include facility contact info, salary, and no non-compete clauses; J-1 salary must be at least equal to local prevailing wage or the employer actual wage for similarly employed US workers, whichever is higher; must have or applied for Montana medical license; must have begun year three of their residency in their practice area/specialty.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted throughout the fiscal year (October 1-September 30). Review of applications is 15 to 20 working days.
Contact Information:
J-1 Coordinator – Primary Care Office
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
1400 Broadway Rm A116
Helena, MT 59620-2951
Phone: 406-444-3934
Fax: 406-444-2750
Email: montanapco@mt.gov
Internet: https://dphhs.mt.gov/ecfsd/primarycare/j1visaprogram
State: Nebraska
Practice Areas: Not specified.
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA/MUP
Flex Slots: Up to 10. Any such application will be reviewed in the same manner as other applications.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. Each case will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Notable Requirements: Request for a waiver of the foreign residence requirement must be made by a local health care facility (clinic or hospital) directly to the Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Rural Health. Upon request, an information packet will be sent detailing the information/documentation that is required. Must give description of recruitment efforts and long-term plans for retention of physician; physicians in program must accept Medicaid/Medicare patients.
Application Review Time and Process: Reviewed by state within two weeks.
Contact Information:
Thomas Rauner
DHHS-Office of Rural Health
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509-5026
OR P.O. Box 995026
Phone: 402-471-0148 OR 402-471-3121
Fax: 402-471-0180
Email: thomas.rauner@nebraska.gov
Internet: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Rural-Health-Visa-Waiver.aspx
State: Nevada
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, G, OB/GYN, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA, MUP
Flex Slots: Considered on a case-by-case basis; 10 to be used for non-designated areas predominately serving individuals that live in an underserved area. Must provide percentage of population served who are at or below 200% of poverty, wait times for serving the population, next nearest provider for the population, and any other barriers to serving the population.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. Specialists and hospitalists must include proof to justify there is a critical need for their service.
Notable Requirements: Thirty Percent of the slots may be reserved for counties other than Clark County. Up to five of the total slots may be reserved for staffing emergencies; must show proof of 2 months of recruitment & retention efforts, including a plan to retain physician beyond 3 years; physicians must agree to accept Medicare, participate in the Medicaid/Nevada Check-Up program and provide care on a sliding fee scale to low-income, uninsured; must be at least in their last year of residency training; max of 3 waivers per facility per fiscal year; must have or apply for a Nevada medical license; $1,000 fee if the physician is to be recruited by a nonprofit organization; $2,000 for all other businesses or organizations. At least one-half of the fee must be paid by the employer.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted throughout the year, starting October 1 until slots are filled. Review is 30-45 days.
Contact Information:
Nevada Primary Care Office
Division of Public and Behavioral Health
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services
4150 Technology Way, 3rd Floor
Carson City. NV 89706
Phone: 775-684-2204
Email: nvpco@health.nv.gov
Internet: https://dpbh.nv.gov/Programs/Conrad30/Conrad30-Home/
State: New Hampshire
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, GP, OB/GYN, IM, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA, MUP, E-MUP
Flex Slots: Yes, up to 10 available in non-designated areas. Need prior approval, slot reserved for only 3 months upon approval of pre-application.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. Priority is given to primary care physicians. Specialists who support primary care efforts (i.e., hospitalists, geriatrics, general radiology, general surgery) will be considered if the facility can demonstrate a shortage of that specialist in the area of service.
Notable Requirements: Must meet all Federal and State policy guidelines; work 40 hrs/wk in a clinical outpatient setting (at least 32 hours of direct patient care) for at least 45 weeks per year; must have a NH medical license; should have already completed residency training; petitioner must show 6 months prior recruitment/ retention efforts for US physicians; cannot include non-compete clause. Must charge for services at the usual and customary rates prevailing in the service area. Charges must be on a sliding-fee schedule for persons at or below 200 percent of poverty or persons unable to pay for these services. Cannot discriminate based on ability to pay or payment source including Medicare and Medicaid. The service site(s) must provide the policy and a copy of the sliding-fee-scale with their application. Applications must come from the facility or its attorney.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted from Oct 1-July 1. Applications that are incomplete or received after this date are held until the next federal cycle year. Review is 3-5 weeks; FLEX applications may take longer.
Contact Information:
Janine Wainwright
Workforce Coordinator
Division of Public Health
Rural Health and Primary Care Section
29 Hazen Drive
2E Concord, NH 03301-6504
Phone: 603-271-2276
Fax: 603-271-4506
Email: janine.wainwright@dhhs.nh.gov
Internet: https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/bchs/rhpc/visa.htm
State: New Jersey
Practice Areas: FP, OB/GYN, P, IM, PSY and all specialists
Designation Areas: HPSA
Flex Slots: 10 Flex slots.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Only for flex slots.
Notable Requirements: Short and long-range plan for retention of J-1 physician beyond 3-year obligation required; no non-compete clause; recruitment efforts over a period of at least 6 months; describe physician’s unique qualifications to serve the proposed patient population; comparable salary to physicians not in the J1-waiver program; must treat uninsured/Medicare/Medicaid patients; physicians must have completed residency training and have a NJ medical license.
Application Review Time and Process: Year-round application process.
Contact Information:
Damon Koslow
New Jersey Department of Health
Office of Policy and Strategic Planning
Attention: J-1 Visa Waiver/Conrad 30 Program
55 North Willow Street, 5th Floor
PO Box 355
Trenton, NJ 08625-0355
Phone: 609-913-5701 or 609-847-9310
Fax: 609-984-3346
Email: damon.koslow@doh.nj.gov
Internet: https://www.nj.gov/health/fhs/primarycare/provider-placement/
State: New Mexico
Practice Areas: FP, OB/GYN, P, GIM, PSY no preference for PC over specialists.
Designation Areas: HPSA for primary care physicians; MUA and MUP for sub-specialists. FQHCs are eligible regardless of their location.
Flex Slots: 10 Flex slots available for non-designated areas as long as they serve patient populations from designated medically underserved areas; physicians must provide direct patient services.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes; facility must show significant shortage of the specialty and a need for this specialty among its patients consistent with NMDOH findings
Notable Requirements: Physician must have NM license or confirmation that the license application process has been initiated; contract must contain provision that physician will pay penalty of up to $250,000 in case of default and must not include non-compete clause; facility must have policy to accept all patients regardless of ability to pay; application must identify physician’s supervisor; must provide summary of 6 months recruitment; must sign and notarize affidavit.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted starting September 1 on a first-come-first-served basis until all slots are full.
Contact Information:
Jasmin Hendrickson, Program Coordinator
J-1 Visa Waiver Program
Office of Primary Care and Rural Health
5301 Central Ave. NE, Suite 800
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87108-1531
Email: jasmin.hendrickson@state.nm.us
Phone: (505) 222-8672
Internet: https://www.nmhealth.org/about/phd/pchb/oprh/jvwp/
State: New York
Practice Areas: not specified
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP
Flex Slots: Up to 10 for non-designated areas where patients reside in HPSAs or MUA/Ps (must be documented).
Fellowship Training Allowed: Must demonstrate need for specialist.
Notable Requirements: Physician must try to use other eligible IGA programs first; physician may not be out of status for more than 6 months; physician must possess or qualify for a NY medical license; contract must state that physician agrees to treat all patients regardless of ability to pay; and the health care facility must document all recruitment efforts for 6 months before application. The employer letter requesting the J-1 waiver and describing the need for the physician, must be signed by the CEO or Chief Medical Officer of the facility/organization submitting the application(s) on behalf of the physician(s). The contract should not contain any termination without cause or non-compete clauses.
Application Review Time and Process: Application deadline is at the beginning of December.
Contact Information:
New York State Department of Health
New York “State 30” Program
Corning Tower Room 1695
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237-0001
Phone: 518-473-7019
General email for program: sch_loan@health.ny.gov
Internet: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/j-1_visa_waivers/
State: North Carolina
Practice Areas: FP, IM, P, OB/GYN, all PSY subspecialists, hospitalists in primary care, G
Designation Areas: HPSA
Flex Slots: 10 slots may be used for flex or specialist positions for physicians not practicing Primary Care and providing at least 32 hours per week in direct face-to-
face patient care; and for physicians not practicing in a HPSA and providing at least 32 hours per week in direct face-to-face patient care. Sites must be located in an area proven to have a shortage for the specialty applying. Documentation demonstrating the shortage must be submitted by the hiring entity with the application.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, 10 of the primary care waiver slots for specialists practicing in a HPSA. Slots will be filled with eligible applications on first come, first served basis.
Notable Requirements: 3-year minimum contract; no non-compete clause; INA statement signed by physician; must demonstrate how the health care facility has attempted to recruit a graduate of an accredited U.S. medical school. Must include language that the employment agreement may not be terminated without cause and may not be terminated by mutual agreement.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted from October 1 until all slots filled.
Contact Information:
Karen Gliarmis
Recruiter with the Placement Services Program
North Carolina Office of Rural Health and Community Care
2009 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2009
Phone: 919-527-6452
Email: karen.gliarmis@dhhs.nc.gov
State: North Dakota
Practice Areas: FP, IM, PSY, P, OB/GYN
Designation Areas: HPSA or MUA/P
Flex Slots: 10 Flex slots for both primary care and specialist in non-designated areas; limit of one submitted Flex slot waiver per organization per month until all slots are filled.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Considered on a case-by-case basis. Preference given to physicians in primary care and specialists (i.e., Hospitalists, Geriatrics, General Radiology and General Surgery) who are willing to work full time (40 hours per week) for at least three years in a HPSA, MUA, or MUP.
Notable Requirements: Facility must show evidence of recruitment efforts; USDOS case number must appear on all documents filed with the application. Application must consist of two copies of requested documents in a single package, in the order outlined in the checklist.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted October 1 to September 30 (entire fiscal year) until slots are filled. The initial review process can take two to four weeks. Non-designated flex waiver applications may take longer.
Contact Information:
Stacy Kusler
Workforce Specialist
Center for Rural Health
University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences
1301 N. Columbia Rd. Stop 9037
Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037
Phone: 701-777-3300
Email: stacy.kusler@und.edu
Internet: https://ruralhealth.und.edu/what-we-do/health-workforce/j1
State: Ohio
Practice Areas: Primary care (preferred) including FP, GIM, OB/GYN, GP, Combined GIM/P, AM, G, behavioral health, PSY, Child/Adol PSY, GER PSY, addiction psychiatry, addiction medicine.
Designation Areas: HPSA and select MUA/MUPs as listed on the applying program year’s lists.
Flex Slots: Up to 10 flexible slots placements outside of eligible underserved areas; serving HPSA, MUA/P population(s) on the applying program year’s lists. Facility must have been operating and have implemented a sliding fee scale for at least a year to qualify for a Flex slot application. Must complete the application Non-HPSA (Flexible) supplement form. Must show a minimum 30% patients come from HPSAs, MUA/Ps on the applying program year’s lists and/or Governor’s Certified Shortage Areas OR minimum 20% patients come from HPSAs, MUA/Ps on the applying program year’s lists and/or Governor’s Certified Shortage Areas and there are no geographic, socioeconomic, or cultural barriers for patients to obtain care.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Preference for PC; non-primary care applications accepted with adequate documentation of community need. Hospitalists and ER physicians are considered specialists. So are specialties not programmatically defined as primary care who will practice in an inpatient setting.
Notable Requirements: Non-refundable application fee of $3,571; detailed recruitment evidence by facility within prior 12 months; applications that quality for ARC program will be submitted to ARC; contract cannot include a non-compete clause or termination without cause; any changes to contracts must adhere to Ohio Department of Health J-1 Visa Waiver requirements; contracts made while physician has O-1 status must be terminated before waiver obligation start date.
Application Review Time and Process: Facilities should complete and submit the Notice of Intent to Apply form as soon as possible. All applications accepted beginning October 1-March 31. Submitted applications are categorized according to their appropriate priority category and review process commences upon receipt of submitted complete application.
No live electronic signatures.
Contact Information:
Hend Mostafa, MPH
Workforce Program Coordinator
Ohio Department of Health
Primary Care Office
246 North High St., 5th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Tel: 614-644-8505 or 614-466-4629
Email: PCRH@odh.ohio.gov or Hend.Mostafa@odh.ohio.gov
Internet: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/primary-care-office/workforce-programs
State: Oklahoma
Practice Areas: Not defined.
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA
Flex Slots: Up to 10 slots available.
Fellowship Training Allowed: No distinction made between primary care and other specialties.
Notable Requirements: Employment contract must specify an offer of employment to the J-1 visa physician to provide full-time patient care for a period of at least three (3) years and must include the name and address of all practice locations in which the J-1 visa physician will be working. Proof of passage of any examinations required by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Application Review Time and Process: Rolling applications throughout the fiscal year.
Contact Information:
Jana Castleberry, PCO Director
Office of Primary Care and Rural Health Development
Oklahoma State Department of Health
123 Robert Kerr Avenue, Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102-6406
Phone: (405) 426-8624
Email: JanaC@health.ok.gov
State: Oregon
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, General PSY. Priority for Family Practice and Psychiatry.
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP
Flex Slots: Up to 10 considered for non-designated areas with prior approval and documentation substantiating the area’s need for a physician.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Preference given to primary care, plus specialists in documented high-need areas for the first two months of each program year. Starting December 1st all other conforming applications will be submitted on a first-come basis until the rest of the slots are filled.
Notable Requirements: Wages and conditions must be equal to those of U.S. physicians; must provide 6 months of recruitment documentation. At least 40% of patients must be Medicaid, Medicare, or other low-income patients. $2000 application fee.
Application Review Time and Process: Accepted throughout the fiscal year until all slots are filled; review in 15 business days.
Contact Information:
Dia Shuhart
J-1 Visa Waiver Program Coordinator
Oregon Physician Visa Waiver Program
OHA-Health Policy & Analytics
500 Summer St NE E-65
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: 503-373-0364
Fax: 503-373-0313
Email: dia.shuhart@dhsoha.state.or.us
Internet: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HPA/HP-PCO/Pages/J1.aspx
State: Pennsylvania
Practice Areas: FP, P, OB/GYN, IM, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, MUP, MHPSA
Flex Slots: Up to 10. Facility must state intent to apply for the slot in the first paragraph of the Letter of Need; must document the need; must provide a notarized document attesting that 20% of patients are from primary care HPSA or MUA/P; must provide EIN; one request per facility per fiscal year.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Applications for non-primary care specialists will be considered based on availability of slots and documented need. Priority given to primary care physicians who will provide services at out-patient, ambulatory care sites located in HPSAs or MUA/Ps followed by physicians (including specialists) who will be employed at critical access hospitals, small rural hospitals, FQHCs and look alikes, certified rural health clinics, and flex 10 facilities based on need.
Notable Requirements: Facility must include sliding fee scale based on current federal poverty level and a statement from the physician that he/she does not have an approved waiver or one pending; recruitment efforts for at least 6 months within the prior year; contract must not include non-compete clause.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted from October 1st – December 31st or until the department has received 30 eligible and complete applications and all the slots are filled.
Contact Information:
Jacqueline Austin
Public Health Program Administrator
Department of Health
Pennsylvania Primary Care Office
Room 1031, Health & Welfare Building
625 Forster Street
Harrisburg, PA 17120-0701
Phone: 717-772-5298
Fax: 717-705-6525
Email: waiverprograms@pa.gov or jaaustin@pa.gov
Internet: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/Health-Planning/Pages/Physician-Visa-Waiver.aspx
State: Rhode Island
Practice Areas: All specialties accepted.
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA, MUP
Flex Slots: Facility must provide information on patient population that is served by the facility.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes.
Notable Requirements: Preference given to physicians who have completed residencies in Rhode Island or are in primary care. After they begin working in RI, applicant physicians must show evidence of two of three: (1) Must have volunteered in a professional capacity at least 4 hours per month; (2) MAT certification; or (3) CLAS training.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted starting October 1.
Contact Information:
Jill D’Errico
Principal Public Health Promotion Specialist
Office of Primary Care and Rural Health
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill, Room 205
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-1488
Email: jill.derrico@health.ri.gov
Internet: https://health.ri.gov/programs/detail.php?pgm_id=155
State: South Carolina
Practice Areas: All specialists are eligible for consideration
Designation Areas: HPSA or MUP
Flex Slots: Yes, 9.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, all specialties and sub-specialties.
Notable Requirements: Facility must be preapproved and assigned a J-1 wavier slot before submitting a waiver application; must accept Medicare and Medicaid assignment and have an approved arrangement for treating indigent or uninsured patients; must have been providing care for at least one year in South Carolina; physicians must establish a case number before submitting applications to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Application Review Time and Process: Applicant facilities may request a slot assignment at any time. Initial review done within 10 working days of receipt. Incomplete submissions will be returned.
Contact Information:
Mark Jordan, Director
DHEC Office of Primary Care
1751 Calhoun St
Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-898-0766
Email: Jordanma@dhec.sc.gov
Internet: https://scdhec.gov/application-review-process
State: South Dakota
Practice Areas: Not specified.
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA
Flex Slots: 5 reserved for urban areas and 5 reserved for non-urban areas before January 2 of each year; on January 2, the department may approve any application until all 10 slots are filled.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, primary care and all specialties are eligible (no limitation on number of each). If, on any given date, the number of applications received exceeds the number of available waiver slots, the reviewers may consider the following factors: (1) Primary care/specialty care; (2) Rural/urban location; (3) Impact on service to South Dakota’s underserved populations; (4) Number of recent waivers approved for the applying health care facility/health system; (5) Number of recent waivers approved for the applying geographic location within the state; (6) Any other factor or special circumstance the department considers relevant to the review process.
Notable Requirements: Program fee of $200; contract must not include non-compete clause; average of 40 hours per week (4 week minimum of 128 hours seeing patients on ambulatory or in-patient basis and 32 hours administrative work) for at least 48 weeks per year for a minimum of 3 years in the specified shortage area(s) identified in the contract.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted on October 1 or on the first business day following October 1. Reviewed in order of receipt. One written request will be sent for incomplete applications; response must be received within 30 days.
Contact Information:
DeAnn Sprenger
Recruitment Program Coordinator
South Dakota Department of Health
SD Office of Rural Health
600 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501-2536
P: (605) 773-3361 or 1-800-738-2301
Email: DeAnn.Sprenger@state.sd.us
Internet: https://doh.sd.gov/providers/ruralhealth/j1-waiver/
State: Tennessee
Practice Areas: FP, GP, OB/GYN, GIM
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA, and Health Resource Shortage Areas
Flex Slots: 5 Flex slots may be used in affiliation with hospitals in non-designated areas that can show that 50% or more patients reside in a HPSA or MUA.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, up to 30 percent of the slots for specialties. See website for the list of specialties accepted until June 30. Will accept any specialty from July 1 if slots remain.
Notable Requirements: Placement of primary care physicians only in rural areas of the state; placement of physician specialists will be in association with hospitals; must show recruitment efforts for past six months directly before application. Applications must be sent via certified mail.
Application Review Time and Process: Through June 30, specialists accepted only in hospitals in the top 20 non-psychiatric hospitals with the highest percentage of total adjusted patient days for TennCare patients, Rural Referral Center hospitals, Sole Community hospitals, Medicare dependent hospitals, or rural hospitals located in a HPSA/MUA. From April 1 to June 30, will accept applications from facilities that already received sub-specialist slots and from Critical Access Hospitals located in a HPSA/MUA. From July 1, will accept any sub-specialty.
Contact Information:
Ann Cranford
Program Director
J1 Visa Waiver/Conrad 30 Program
Primary Care Workforce Recruitment
State Office of Rural Health & Health Access
Andrew Johnson Tower, 2nd Floor
710 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-2101
Email: ann.cranford@tn.gov
Internet: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/rural-health/j1.html
State: Texas
Practice Areas: All physician specialties and subspecialties licensed by the Texas Medical Board ranked according to criteria in the Conrad 30 Policy & Procedure Manual found on the Conrad 30 web page.
Designation Areas: Geographic or population based HPSA, FQHCs, Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) with “automatic” facility HPSA designation, MUAs updated within the past four years for both primary care and other specialties. MHPSA, FQHC, RHCs, State hospitals with a facility mental health HPSA designation, and MUAs updated with the past four years for mental healthcare specialties.
Flex Slots: Depends on the criteria outlined in Texas Health and Safety Code.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, but preference given to applicants who will practice in a primary care or mental health care specialty.
Notable Requirements: $3,000 fee; contract must list benefits, state that any amendments will adhere to federal and state visa waiver regulations, must include schedule of hours; must include amount of leave; cannot include a non-compete clause; no recruitment requirements.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications are accepted the first 2 weeks in September following Labor Day. Verify the dates on the Conrad 30 web page.
Contact Information:
Department of State Health Services
Texas Primary Care Office
1100 West 49th Street, Mail Code 1898
Austin, TX 78756
Phone: 512-776-7518
Fax: 512-776-4232
Email: or Conrad30@dshs.texas.gov.
Internet: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/chpr/j1info.shtm
State: Utah
Practice Areas: FP, IM, P, OB/GYN, PSY
Designation Area: HPSA
Flex Slots: Yes, 10.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. Must meet the flex slot requirements: serve medically underserved individuals that come from HPSAs; a minimum of 11.3 percent of clients served must be considered underserved by the State of Utah; a minimum of 10.5 percent of clients served must lack health insurance coverage; have in place an established charitable policy and sliding fee schedule that provides services regardless of clients ability to pay; and information that supports the need for the J-1 physician that includes the annual number of clients turned away and the length of time clients must wait in order to get an appointment for health care services.
Notable Requirements: Must provide evidence of unsuccessful recruitment efforts for at least one year before application.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted October 1 to September 30 (entire FY) on a first-come, first-served basis until all slots are filled.
Contact Information:
Jazmin Letamendi
Workforce Development Coordinator
Office of Primary Care and Rural Health
Utah Department of Health
P.O. Box 142005
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-2005
Phone: 801-647-1490 or 801-273-6619
Fax: 801-273-6512
Email: jletamendi@utah.gov
Internet: https://ruralhealth.health.utah.gov/workforce-development/primary-care-office-pco/j-1-visa-waivers/
State: Vermont
Practice Areas: FP, GIM, P, OB/GYN, Geriatrics, H
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA, MUP
Flex Slots: Up to 10 for non-designated areas if employer can document professional need and service to patients living in designated shortage or underserved areas.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. After Primary Care, Geriatrics and Hospitalists, priority given to Surgery (General or Orthopedic), Anesthesiology, Neurology, Pathology, Specialty Internal Medicine, and Psychiatry, then to Ophthalmology, Radiology, Emergency Medicine, and Urology. Others considered if can show need and serve patients living in designated shortage or underserved areas.
Notable Requirements: Must have valid Vermont medical license or proof of application and paid fee and a signed employment contract.
Application Review Time and Process: Rolling application process throughout fiscal year.
Contact Information:
Luca Fernandez
J-1 Visa Waiver Program
State Office of Rural Health & Primary Care
Vermont Department of Health
108 Cherry Street, PO Box 70
Burlington, VT 05401-0070
Telephone: 802-859-5921
Email: Luca.Fernandez@vermont.gov
Internet: https://www.healthvermont.gov/systems/health-professionals/j1-visa
State: Virginia
Practice Areas: FP, IM, P, OB/GYN, PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA (priority), MHPSA, MUA, MUP
Flex Slots: 5 flex slots available from February 1; facility must document extreme need.
Fellowship Training Allowed: All specialties are eligible, must show need; priority for primary care. Up to five slots shall be reserved for VDH’s discretion, taking into account unique current needs for specific health care professionals.
Notable Requirements: Fee maybe between $1,500-3,000. Prioritizes submissions on a first-come, first-served, basis. Preference given to physicians trained in primary care and to placements in HPSAs over MUA/MUP. Include one original and one copy of contract in application; include copy of Medicaid and Medicare Provider Agreements; contract for physicians must not contain non-compete clauses, must state type and amount of leave, state medical field of practice, list or benefits and insurance, termination only for cause, no at will policy, a fixed salary. Physician must provide three letters of recommendation. Only five applicants per practice site.
Application Review Time and Process: Review is 2 weeks; accepted September 1 – September 30. Applications received on or before September 15 will be sent out the last week in September to meet the October 1 application DOS requirements. After the 30 available waiver slots have been filled, applications will be returned without being reviewed.
Contact Information:
Olivette Burroughs, Health Workforce Specialist
Virginia Department of Health
Office of Health Equity
Attn: Virginia Conrad 30 Waiver Program
109 Governor Street, Suite 714 West (7th floor)
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-864-7435 or 804-864-7431
Fax: 804-864-7440
Email: olivette.burroughs@vdh.virginia.gov, incentiveprograms@vdh.virginia.gov
Internet: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/health-equity/conrad-30-waiver-program-overview/
State: Washington
Practice Areas: FP, OB/GYN, GIM, P, G, and PSY
Designation Areas: HPSA
Flex Slots: Up to 10 Flex slots beginning January 15 of each year; must identify percentage of expected Medicaid and Medicare patients, describe how employer will ensure access to the physician for low-income or uninsured patients, describe any unique practice area or substantial referral network that will make the physician a statewide resource for certain medical conditions, and identify if the physician has language skills that will benefit patients at the practice site.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, up to 10 slots for specialty physicians; will accept additional specialty applications after April 1 if PC slots remain available.
Notable Requirements: 3-year contract. Submit 2 copies of contract: the primary will be submitted electronically and the secondary will be mailed to the Department of State. Must show proof of 6 months of active recruitment efforts before employment contract; physician must be finished with training or in the final year of a training program. Physician must have active Washington medical license or proof of an application pending for four or more weeks. Employer must be licensed to do business in Washington and must have provided healthcare services in Washington for the 12 months before the application. Must submit both the main application package and the secondary application package.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted October 1 until all slots are filled; initial review is 10 business days.
Contact Information:
Mandy Latchaw
Program Manager
Office of Rural Health
Health Systems Quality Assurance
Washington State Department of Health
Attention: J- l Visa Waiver Program
Town Center 2
111 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
PO Box 47853
Olympia WA 98504-7853
Phone: 360-236-2862
Email Amanda.Latchaw@doh.wa.gov
or J1VisaWaiver@doh.wa.gov
State: West Virginia
Practice Areas: Practice Areas: FP, IM, PED, G, OB/GYN, PSY, Children/Adolescent and others
Designation Areas: HPSA, MUA,
Flex Slots: Up to 10 slots.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes. Shortage of the specialty or sub-specialty in the service area must be documented. Provide data on major health problems in the community related to the need for this specialty or sub-specialty. (e.g., endocrinologists in an area with a high rate of diabetes). Provide letters from local primary care physicians supporting the specialist or sub-specialist from other facility.
Notable Requirements: weekly schedule; facility must be in operation as a health care facility for a minimum of 2 years; site approval required; submit a copy of the notice of the availability of the sliding fee schedule; documentation of prior six months recruitment efforts required.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted October 1 to September 30 (entire FY).
Contact Information:
Bethlehem Amare, J1 Visa Coordinator
West Virginia State Office of Rural Health
Department of Health and Human Resources
350 Capital Street, Room 702
Charleston, WV 25301
Phone: 304-352-6005
Fax: 304-558-1437
Email: bethlhem.s.amare@wv.gov
Internet: https://dhhr.wv.gov/ruralhealth/j1conrad30arc/Pages/default.aspx
State: Wisconsin
Practice Areas: FP, P, IM, OB/GYN, PSY,
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA/P
Flex Slots: Up to 10 for non-designated areas; 30% of patients must come from nearby HPSA/MUA/Ps. If don’t have 30%, can show: Percentage of patients who reside in HPSA/MUA/P and how physician will increase access for underserved PLUS 3 of the following: 1. Facility payer mix including 50% of patients insured through Medicare and/or Medicaid; 2. Document difficulty recruiting a physician; 3. Need for physician’s specialty; 4. Barriers unique to the site; 5. Population factors. Flex applications considered only after those from federally underserved areas are filled.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes; must demonstrate exceptional need and public interest (no preference between PC and specialists); must have completed residency in area of specialty.
Notable Requirements: Employer must provide evidence of 6 months of unsuccessful recruitment efforts; physician must work at least 32 hours per week of direct patient care; benefits must be equal to those of similar physicians. Must have completed U.S. residency program.
Application Review Time and Process: Applications accepted starting October 1 on a first come first served basis until all slots are filled.
Contact Information:
Jaime Olson
Primary Care Program Coordinator
Wisconsin Division of Public Health
1 West Wilson Street
P.O. Box 2659
Madison, WI 53701-2659
Phone: 608-267-1440
Fax: 608-266-2832
Email: jaime.olson@dhs.wisconsin.gov, dhsprimarycareoffice@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Internet: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/PrimaryCare/J-1Visa/index.htm
State: Wyoming
Practice Areas: Not specified.
Designation Areas: HPSA, MHPSA, MUA or state-designated shortage area.
Flex Slots: Up to 10 Flex slots available for non-designated areas.
Fellowship Training Allowed: Yes, must demonstrate need for full time specialty physician by shortage area patients.
Notable Requirements: Proof of recruitment efforts required; Facility’s long-range plans for retention of physician beyond 3-year period must be noted; before employment the physician must meet all medical licensure requirements for the state of Wyoming.
Application Review Time and Process: Requests must be made by local medical facilities directly to the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH). Upon request, an information packet is sent detailing the information/documentation needed to prepare an appropriate case file for review. Applications accepted throughout fiscal year.
Contact Information:
Keri Wagner
Healthcare Workforce and Primary Care Office Manager
Office of Rural Health
Public Health Division
Wyoming Department of Health
122 West 25th Street, Suite 102E
Cheyenne, WY 82002
Phone : 307-777-6512
Fax: 307-777-3623
Email: keri.wagner@wyo.gov
Website: https://health.wyo.gov/publichealth/rural/officeofruralhealth/primary-care-office/
Abbreviations:
SS: Sub-specialist (specialist) physician
AM: Adolescent Medicine
AN : Anesthesiology
ARC: Appalachian Regional Commission
CNC: Cancer (specialists related to)
CHC: Community Health Center
CRBVD: Cerebrovascular disease (specialists related to)
DH: Dental Health
DO: Doctor of Osteopathy
DOS: Department of State
E-MUP: Governor’s Medically Undeserved Population
ER: Emergency Room/Medicine
FMG: Foreign Medical Graduate
FQHC: Federally Qualified Health Centers
FP: Family Practice/Family Medicine
FY: Fiscal Year
GIM: General Internal Medicine
GP: General Practice
GS: Doctor of General Surgery
H: Hospitalist
HD: Heart disease (specialists related to)
HPSA: Health Physician Shortage Area
HR: Hour
IGA: Interested Government Agency
IM: Internal Medicine
IMG: International Medical Graduate
LPR: Lawful Permanent Resident
MHPSA: Mental Health Physician Shortage Area
MUA: Medically Underserved Area
MUP: Medically Underserved Population
NIW: National Interest Waiver
OB/GYN: Obstetrics/Gynecology
OD: Optometry
P: Pediatrics
PC: Primary care physician
PSA: Physician Scarcity Area
PSY: Psychiatry
RHC: Rural Health Clinics
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language
USDA: U.S. Department of Agriculture
WK: Week
YR: Year
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(Revised January 1, 2022)