Conrad 30 Waiver

The Conrad 30 Waiver program allows J-1 medical doctors to apply for a waiver for the 2-year residence requirement upon completion of the J-1 exchange visitor program. The program addresses the shortage of qualified doctors in medically underserved areas. From the USCIS website:

Eligibility

Although each state has developed its own application rules and guidelines, the following program requirements apply to all J-1 medical doctors. The J-1 medical doctor must:

  • Agree to be employed full-time in H-1B nonimmigrant status at a health care facility located in an area designated by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), medically Underserved Area (MUA), or Medically Underserved Population (MUP).
  • Obtain a contract from the health care facility located in an area designated by HHS as a HPSA, MUA, or MUP.
  • Obtain a “no objection” letter from his or her home country if the home government funded his or her exchange program.
  • Agree to begin employment at the health care facility within 90 days of receipt of the waiver, not the date his or her J-1 visa expires.

In line with the Texas Primary Care Office’s (PCO) mission to improve access to primary and specialty care for the underserved in Texas, the PCO reviews Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver applications on behalf of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) to make waiver recommendations to the U.S. Department of State (DOS). For the specific requirements related to the Conrad 30 Waiver in the state of Texas, you can refer to the Texas Primary Care Office.