What’s a J-1 waiver and how do I apply?

Physicians may obtain sponsorship for a J-1 waiver through a State Department of Health. Each state may sponsor 30 international medical graduates (IMGs) for J-1 waivers each year.

To qualify for the Conrad program, an IMG must agree to be employed for a minimum of 3 years in a facility located within an area designated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a shortage area. Waiver applications in this category must include the following: · letter from State Department of Health stating that it is in the public interest to provide the applicant with a J-1 waiver; · employment contract between the physician applicant and the shortage area facility valid for a minimum of 3 years, naming the facility and geographic area where the applicant will work; · evidence that the geographical area where the applicant will work is located within a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), a Medically Underserved Area/Medically Underserved Population (MUA/MUP) · physician statement agreeing to contractual provisions; · copies of all IAP-66 forms; · State Department Data Sheet; and · sequential number on each application.