The CONRAD STATE 30 program was designed to provide each of the fifty U.S. states with 30 waivers for J-1 physicians each fiscal year. Each State has been given some flexibility to implement its own guidelines, but there are some basic requirements that are common to all STATE 30 programs. For physicians who qualify, the STATE 30 program it is an excellent method of obtaining a waiver.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Conrad State 30 Waiver

1. What are the basic requirements for a STATE 30 Waiver?

2. Do all U.S. States have a STATE 30 waiver program?

3. What is the definition of 'Primary Care' for the purpose of a STATE 30 waiver?

4. I have completed fellowship/specialty training, though I am qualified to work as a primary care physician. Do I qualify for the STATE 30 program?

5. I understand that I must sign at least a three (3) year employment contract with the medical facility. Do the contents of this contract must adhere to certain guidelines?

6. Is there any advantage to applying for the STATE 30 waiver instead of the HHS waiver, which is now available to physicians working in under served areas as well?

7. How can MDgreencard.com assist me with this process?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. What are the basic requirements for obtaining a STATE 30 J-1 Waiver?

While the exact requirements vary from State to State, the following is generally required:

a. An offer of employment as a primary care physician in a medically under served area in a particular State;

b. A letter of support from the particular State Director of Health supporting the physician's STATE 30 request;

c. A three-year employment contract.

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2. Do all U.S. States have a STATE 30 waiver program?

2007/2008 Conrad State 30 J1 Visa Waiver Program - State by State Analysis and Summary

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3. What is the definition of 'Primary Care' for the purposes of a STATE 30 waiver?

Unfortunately, there is no universally accepted definition of primary care, and each State may have its own definition.

For example, the State of Maryland defines 'Primary Care' to include only Family Practice and General Pediatrics, while the State of Florida considers primary care physicians to be those practicing Family Practice, Internal Medicine, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry.

Usually included though are internists, obstetricians/gynecologists, family practitioners, general practitioners, psychiatrists (sometimes) and on rare occasions, general surgeons. Be sure to contact us with specific requests about a particular State's definition of primary care.

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4. I have completed fellowship/specialty training, though I am qualified to work as a primary care physician. Do I qualify for the STATE 30 program?

That depends on the particular State. Some States will deny any waiver request for a physician who has completed any fellowship or specialty training, even though he/she has a job offer as a primary care physician and is qualified to practice primary care. Be sure to contact us with specific questions about a particular State's requirements, as the requirements often change.

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5. I understand that I must sign a three (3) year employment contract with the medical facility. Do the contents of this contract must adhere to certain guidelines?

Yes, each State has its own requirements for specific clauses and language that must be in your contract. For example, many States require that the start date be within 90 days of obtaining the waiver and that the contract not have a non-compete clause. Please be sure to contact us with specific questions about a particular State's requirements.

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6. Is there any advantage to applying for the STATE 30 waiver instead of the HHS waiver, which is now available to physicians working in under served areas as well?

Perhaps. According to the HHS regulations, waiver applications that they receive may be forwarded to the particular State for placement in that State's waiver program, assuming that the 30 positions have not been filled. Therefore, by filing with the State directly, time may be saved in the adjudication process.

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7. How can MDgreencard.com assist me with this application?

The attorneys at MDgreencard.com can assist you with the entire process, ranging from finding a suitable position in an under served area to actually preparing and filing the necessary STATE 30 waiver application materials.

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