The J-1 program is designed to bring in people who work in professions that are in-demand as part of an exchange program. Specifically, the program is for scientists, students, and most commonly, physicians. Once the terms of the initial J-1 visa have been completed, the nonimmigrant professional is expected to return to their country of origin for at least two years prior to seeking permanent residence in the US. In many situations, however, it is possible to receive a J-1 waiver (also known as a Conrad 30 waiver) to skip this requirement.
The Conrad 30 waiver is set up to help bring medical professionals, and certain others, to underserved parts of the country. This program is an excellent opportunity both for the applicant, who is able to remain in the US, and for the US, since it helps to provide for the needs of citizens who may otherwise go without the care they require.
Who can Qualify
The specific requirements for the J-1 waiver vary slightly from state to state, but in general any medical doctors (or others) who wish to remain in the country need to meet the following conditions:
- They must agree that their employment with a healthcare facility will begin within 90 days of receiving the waiver.
- They must contact their home country and receive a letter that states that they don’t object to them staying. This only applies if the applicant’s exchange program expenses were covered by their home government.
- They must have a contract from a healthcare facility that is located in an approved area.
- They must agree that they will be employed full time using the H-1B nonimmigrant status. This must be at a health care facility that is physically located in an approved area.
How to Apply
If you want to apply for a Conrad 30 waiver, it is important to start planning as soon as possible. The process isn’t overly complicated, but it must be handled correctly in order to avoid delays or other issues. In most situations, an immigration attorney will help you to seek official sponsorship from the state health department in which you want to work. In addition to that sponsorship, the US Department of State form DS-3035 must be completed and submitted.
If approved, you must meet the department of state’s minimum employment requirements of 40 hours per week, and must remain with either the medical facility at which you started, or another approved medical facility that is located in an underserved area. If switching employers, you must notify and get approval from the department of state. Once the two years is completed, you may seek permanent resident status through normal channels.
