The J-1 Waiver Conrad 30 program (or State 30 waiver) is a State Department Health waiver utilized by foreign medical graduate (FMG) physicians. Designated State Health Departments may recommend this waiver based on an offer to the FMG of full-time employment at a health care facility in a designated health care professional shortage area or at a health care facility which serves patients from such a designated area.
If you are on a J-1 visa and would like to obtain a J-1 Conrad 30 Waiver, you should commence the J-1 Waiver process early. For example, if you complete your residency in 2013 it is prudent to start the process in 2012, one year before you complete your residency.
Many states allow J-1 physicians to file their J-1 waiver applications in the fall. Popular states such as Florida, Texas, New York and California usually fill all of their thirty slots each year. Many states accept applications on a first come first serve basis such as California, Texas and Washington. Other states, such as Pennsylvania, will look at the healthcare needs in the specific area.
With this in mind, it is advantageous for you to commence preparation of the J-1 waiver Conrad 30 application in your third year of residency or one year before your residency ends. Planning well in advance of your graduation is paramount because of the following:
- Licensing – To ensure that you obtain the appropriate state license you should apply for it before your J-1 visa expires. Submission of your state license is a requirement for filing the H-1B application. When applying for your license you should apply for the type of license that does not expire. If your license has an expiration date the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) may grant your H-1B visa up until the date your license expires.)
- No objection letter– If you received funding from your home government, you will need to obtain a no objection letter. Depending on your home government, it may take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer to obtain this document.
- Prevailing Wage Requirements – The prevailing wage as set forth by the Department of Labor must be paid to the physician working in H-1B status. After you find an employer, you should confirm that the employer is willing to pay the prevailing wage. The employer must pay the prevailing wage in order to meet H-1B requirements.
- Letters of recommendation – Some J-1 waiver Conrad 30 programs require letters of recommendation from mentors or professional colleagues. It can take two or more months to obtain appropriate letters.
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