The Conrad-30/ J-1 Waiver Program encourages Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) to practice in underserved areas of the District for three years in exchange for a waiver of the J-1 Visa residency requirement.

Foreign Medical Graduates with degrees in the primary care specialties (Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics) or in other specialties related to the District’s four leading causes of death (heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, HIV/AIDS) and anesthesiology can apply to the DC DOH for a recommendation of a J-1 Visa waiver that would allow the clinicians to remain in the United States instead of having to return to their home countries for two years as required by Public Law 107-273.

The DOH will make a recommendation of such a waiver if the applicant plans to practice in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or the applicant’s service is otherwise determined to be in the public’s interest. Up to 30 waiver recommendations can be granted per fiscal year (Oct. 1 – Sept. 30) with 10 slots eligible for physicians practicing in non-HPSA sites. Waivers can only be granted by the U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS); recommendations of waivers are provided by the DOH to USCIS.

If you are seeking a national interest waiver letter, and you are not working in a HPSA site, you must be able to demonstrate that your service is in the public’s interest (i.e. that you are serving vulnerable populations).

Related Resources	Applicant Resources	Participant Resources
DC 30 Program Guidelines*	DC 30 Application Guidelines and Checklist*	End-of-Year Verification Form*
DC Hospitals*		Mid-Year Service Verification Form*
DC Federal Qualifed Health Centers*

                                                         <<Return to Bureau Home Page>>