Conrad State 30/J-1 Visa Waiver Program

The Conrad State 30/J-1 Visa Waiver Program exists to help recruit physicians to underserved areas. When physicians travel to the US to complete their graduate medical education (GME), they come on a J-1 Visa. This visa allows them to complete their training, but then requires them to return to their home country for two years before applying for a work visa. Physicians can waive this requirement by obtaining a waiver through the Conrad State 30/J-1 Visa Waiver Program.

How it works

A J-1 visa is a temporary visitor visa, allowing foreign medical graduates to participate in graduate medical education programs in the United States.
After international medical graduates finish their residency or medical schooling, they are required to live in their country of origin for at least 2 years before returning to practice in the U.S.
The Conrad State 30/J-1 visa waiver program (or J-1 program) allows states to waive the 2-year requirement to return to their country of origin, in exchange for 3 years of service to underserved patients.

Utah may use 30 J-1 visa waivers annually, beginning October 1 and ending on September 30.
Twenty slots are available for those working in a facility located in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA).
The 10 remaining slots are available for physicians practicing in a non-HPSA area who work with underserved populations.
The Utah Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (PCRH) considers waiver requests for primary care physicians, specialists, and subspecialists.
Physicians must provide direct patient care services 40 hours per week. Teaching, research, or administrative positions are not eligible.
Physicians must comply with all other federal and state/PCRH J-1 visa waiver program requirements.

Submission checklist

Conrad 30/J-1 Visa Waiver Program
submission checklist

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You can make an impact!

“The University of Utah has a fine reputation and allows physicians to craft a job perfect for them,” Dr. Ryan said. “To be able to create a new program and design it exactly the way we wanted has been extraordinary. The Conrad J-1 visa waiver program made this possible. This is my dream job.”
Dr. John Ryan

Visit the PCRH blog to read stories from providers serving in Utah's communities.

Program contact info

Anna West
Workforce Development Coordinator
801.231.3044
[email protected]

Codes and rules

Read about the codes and rules that govern this program.

Learn more