Physician Visa Waiver Programs

Updated 3/16/2021

Conrad 30 Waiver

The Conrad 30 program allows international medical graduates that hold a J-1 visa to apply for a waiver of the two-year residence requirement, in their last year of training. In return, the physician must practice a total of three years in an approved underserved area in Pennsylvania. The programs focuses is on Primary Care providers however specialist may apply and will be considered on a as needed basis. The goal of the program is to improve access to primary care.

ARC Appalachian Regional Commission

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) program allows international medical graduates that hold a J-1 visa to apply for a waiver of their two-year residency requirement.  In return the physician must practice a total of three years.

The goal of the program is to improve access to comprehensive, affordable health care in the Appalachian Region.

Practice sites must be in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), within one of the counties identified by ARC.

A new $3,000.00 application fee is collected upon receipt of the application for review by ARC.

National Interest Waiver

National Interest Waivers are available for physicians of exceptional ability that can demonstrate it is of the national interest that he or she remain in the United States.  In return the physician must practice for a total of five-years full-time unless they have served in a Conrad 30 program then an additional two years requirement is needed.  Documentation from the Conrad program administrator in other state is required to be submitted as proof of three-year service.