Medical Doctors

Immigration: Medical Doctors (J-1)

There is a significant shortage of medical doctors in some parts of the United States. In order to help alleviate this shortage the USCIS 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. This program is known as the Conrad 30 Waiver Program. Even though each State has set forth its own rules regarding applications under this waiver program, the following basic program requirements must be met by all J-1 medical doctors:

• The waiver applicant must be employed full-time or have a contract with a healthcare facility that is located in an area that is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), Medically Underserved Area (MUA) or a Medically Underserved Population (MUP) by US Department of Health and Human Services.
• The Waiver Applicant must obtain a “no objection” letter from the government of his or her home country if they funded their exchange program
• The waiver Applicant must begin employment at the health care facility within 90 days of receipt of the waiver.

Once the J-1 medical doctor has been granted a waiver, the following actions must be taken:

• The petitioner must apply for a change of status from J1 to an H-1B visa.
• The spouse and/or child of the waiver recipient must also apply for a change of status from a J-2 to an H-4 visa.
• The J-1 medical doctor must practice medicine for a period of at least three years in an area designated by HHS as an HPSA, MUA, or MUP.

Permanent Residency

Once the Conrad 30 waiver recipient has fulfilled all of the terms and conditions imposed on the waiver, they, their spouse, and/or child will become eligible to apply for one of the following:

• An immigrant visa
• Permanent residence
• H or L nonimmigrant visa

If waiver recipient fails to fulfill the terms and conditions imposed on the waiver, they, their spouse and/or children will once again become subject to the 2-year foreign residence.     

How we can help…

The Law Office of Trupti N Patel & Associates, Immigration Attorney Boston has helped individuals apply and successfully obtain waivers under the Conrad 30 Waiver Program. If you would like a consultation with one of our immigration Attorneys, please call us at (617) 367-6750 or click here to submit a request for a consultation regarding the Waiver program.

If you plan on attending a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys, in person, please see the Directions to our Office

Law Offices of Trupti N Patel & Associates
One Boston Place, 201 Washington St #2600, Boston, MA 02108
(617) 367-6750