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Visas for Physicians

Physicians seeking to work in the United States have several visa options available, depending on their qualifications and employment situation. The H-1B visa is commonly used for foreign-trained doctors in specialty occupations, including medical professionals with a job offer from a U.S. employer. Additionally, the J-1 visa is available for medical residents or fellows participating in training programs, although it often requires a two-year home residency requirement. The O-1 visa is another option for doctors with extraordinary abilities in their field. These visas offer pathways to long-term employment, and in some cases, permanent residency, allowing physicians to practice medicine in the U.S. while complying with immigration regulations. We can help navigate these options and guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth path to achieving your professional goals in the U.S.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Overview

If you are interested in participating in an educational or cultural exchange program in the United States, you may be eligible for a J-1 visa under the Exchange Visitor Program. The J-1 visa is designed for individuals coming to the U.S. to take part in programs approved by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) that meet regulatory requirements under 22 CFR Part 62.

Designated J-1 Exchange Visitor Categories

The J-1 visa program includes a variety of categories, such as:

  • Professors and Research Scholars
  • Short-term Scholars
  • Trainees and Interns
  • College and University Students
  • Teachers
  • Secondary School Students
  • Specialists
  • Physicians
  • International Visitors
  • Government Visitors
  • Camp Counselors
  • Au Pairs
  • Summer Work Travel Participants

General Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a J-1 visa, you must:

  • Be accepted into a DOS-designated exchange visitor program before applying for a visa or changing to J-1 status within the U.S.
  • Show that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in the United States
  • Demonstrate adequate English language skills to successfully participate in the program
  • Maintain a residence outside the U.S. that you do not intend to abandon

We can help you navigate the J-1 visa process—from determining your eligibility to preparing your application and ensuring you meet all the requirements. Whether you’re just getting started or need assistance with the next step, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact us—we’re happy to help.

Waiver of the Foreign Residence Requirement (J-1 Visa)

If you are a J-1 exchange visitor subject to the two-year foreign residence requirement, you may be eligible to apply for a waiver. This requirement typically means that, upon completing your J-1 program, you must return to your home country for at least two years before you can apply for certain U.S. visas or permanent residency. However, there are five recognized grounds for waiving this requirement:

Bases for a Waiver

  1. Exceptional hardshipto your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (LPR) spouse or child
  2. Persecutionin your home country
  3. No objection statementfrom your home government
  4. Request by an Interested U.S. Government Agency (IGA)
  5. Participation in designated medical programs, such as the federal or state Conrad 30 program for foreign medical graduates

Filing for a waiver does not affect your current J-1 nonimmigrant status.

Applying for a Waiver

You must submit Form I-612 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) if your waiver is based on exceptional hardship or persecution. If USCIS determines you meet the requirements, they will forward your case to the U.S. Department of State Waiver Review Division (DOS-WRD) for further evaluation.

For waivers based on no objection, IGA interest, or participation in medical programs, the recommendation is made directly by DOS-WRD and then sent to USCIS, which issues the final decision.

If USCIS denies a waiver before referring it to DOS, you may appeal the decision. However, if a waiver is denied due to a negative recommendation from DOS-WRD, there is no formal appeal process—but you may be eligible to reapply on a different basis.

Exceptional Hardship

One common basis for a waiver is exceptional hardship to a U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or child. This hardship must go beyond what would typically be expected from temporary separation or relocation. USCIS evaluates hardship in two scenarios:
  • If your qualifying family member would relocate with you to your home country
  • If your qualifying family member would remain in the U.S. while you complete the two-year requirement abroad

Evidence to Support Your Case

To qualify under this basis, you must show:

  • You are subject to the foreign residence requirement
  • You have a qualifying relationship (U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or child)
  • That qualifying family member would suffer exceptional hardship

USCIS considers factors such as:

  • Emotional and psychological stress beyond normal separation
  • Financial hardship
  • Medical conditions and availability of treatment abroad
  • Country conditions in your home country (e.g., political instability, healthcare access)
  • Supporting documentation like travel advisories, physician letters, and financial records

If you don’t initially provide enough evidence, USCIS may issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) giving you a chance to submit more information. If you don’t respond adequately, your waiver request may be denied.

Need Help?

We can help you determine your eligibility for a waiver and assist with preparing your application and supporting documentation. Whether you’re applying under exceptional hardship or another basis, we’ll guide you through each step of the process.

If you want more information or have questions, please contact us—we’re here to help.

Conrad 30 Waiver Program for J-1 Foreign Medical Graduates

The Conrad 30 Waiver Program allows J-1 foreign medical graduates (FMGs) to request a waiver of the two-year foreign residence requirement upon completing their J-1 exchange visitor program. This program helps address the shortage of qualified physicians in underserved areas across the United States.

Program Overview

Under Section 214(l) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), each U.S. state may sponsor up to 30 J-1 physicians per year to remain in the U.S. without returning home for two years, provided they agree to work in medically underserved areas.

General Eligibility Requirements

While specific guidelines may vary by state, all J-1 foreign medical graduates must meet the following core requirements:

  • Be admitted to the U.S. under section 101(a)(15)(J)of the INA for the purpose of graduate medical training
  • Enter into a bona fide, full-time employment contractto work in H-1B status for at least three years at a health care facility located in:
  • A Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)
  • A Medically Underserved Area (MUA)
  • A Medically Underserved Population (MUP)
  • Or a facility that serves patients from these areas
    • A Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)
    • A Medically Underserved Area (MUA)
    • A Medically Underserved Population (MUP)
    • Or a facility that serves patients from these areas
  • If contractually obligated, obtain a written “no objection” statementfrom their home country
  • Begin employment within 90 daysof receiving the waiver—not from the expiration of the J-1 visa, but from the waiver approval date

Need Help?

Navigating the Conrad 30 waiver process can be complex, especially with varying requirements across states. We can help you understand your options, prepare your documentation, and ensure your application is submitted accurately and on time.

If you want more information or have questions, please contact us we’re here to support you throughout the process.