Overview

The J-1 Waiver Program, also known as The Conrad 30 Waiver program, allows foreign medical graduates (FMGs) studying in the United States on a J-1 Visa to waive the requirement to return to their home countries for a minimum of two years. More information can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.  

Who qualifies?

International medical graduates studying in the United States who have a three-year full-time employment contract with a health care facility located in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), or a Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA/P).  

It is possible for an international medical graduate to obtain a waiver with an employment contract at a facility that is not in a HPSA or MUA/P. Up to 10 slots out of 30 (the “Flex 10” option) can be used for physicians who work in a facility outside of a HPSA or MUA/P if the application shows that the physician serves patients from underserved areas.  

How to sign up

Submit an application 

Work with an immigration attorney to send a J-1 waiver application and all required documents to the division of Public Health.  

Required documents: 

  • Letter from Employer  
  • HPSA/MUA Evidence Documents 
  • Employment Contract  
  • DS-2019s/ I-94 
  • Curriculum Vitae 
  • Exchange Visitor Attestation/ Foreign Medical Graduate Statement 
  • Form G-28/ Letter of Representation 
  • DS-3035 and Supplementary Applicant Information Pages 
  • Statement of Reason 
  • Third Party Barcode Page 
  • Waiver Division Barcode Page 

Send required documents to: 
Rural and Community Health Systems 
3601 C Street 
Suite 300 
Anchorage, AK 99503 

After submitting the application 

The State of Alaska Primary Care Office will review the application for required documents. If application is complete, we will prepare a letter of recommendation from the Department of Health. The application with required documents and the letter of recommendation is then sent to the Department of State for their final recommendation. 

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