J-1 Visa Waiver Program - Texas Primary Care Office (TPCO)

We administer the Conrad 30 Waiver Program for Texas. This program allows us to recommend up to 30 international medical graduates (IMGs) to remain in Texas. They simply must agree to serve in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), Medically Underserved Area (MUA), or with a Medically Underserved Population (MUP) for 3 years.  

It’s one of many ways we work to improve access to care for the underserved in Texas. 

//chpr/ pdf/FY2022-Conrad 30-J1-Visa-Policy Manual.pdfApply for a J1 Visa Waiver September 2022 for FFY 2023. The program is full for FFY 2022. 

Submit the following documents: 

Place in the following order, separated by a colored divider page, and appropriately labeled with the name of the document behind it. Do not include any documents not listed below: 

1. Data Sheet DS-3035  

2. Employment Contract  - Signed and dated by the physician and the head of the health care facility. It must include: 

1. A statement that the physician will provide patient care for a minimum of 40 hours per week for three years at the eligible site or sites 

2. A statement that any amendments to the contract will adhere to state and federal J-1 visa waiver requirements 

3. A statement by the physician agreeing to meet the requirements set forth in Section 214(l) of the Immigration and Nationality Act 

4. A statement that termination can only be for cause, not mutual agreement 

5. A statement that indicates the physician will begin working within 90 days of receiving the waiver and employment authorization from USCIS 

6. The physician’s field of practice 

7. The physician’s salary, which can be no less than the prevailing wage 

8. A list of benefits and insurance offered to the physician 

9. The estimated schedule of hours per week (at each practice site 

10. The amount of leave granted to the physician 

11. The clinic name or contact name, address, and telephone number for each practice site 

The employment contract cannot include:  

• A non-compete clause  

• A liquidated damages clause  

• A remedies clause  

Note: If the employment contract contains a non-solicitation clause, the program will review the non-solicitation clause on a case-by-case basis. 

3. IAP-66/DS-2019 Forms – Please include copies of all forms issued to the applicant  

4. Letter from facility – Please ensure the letter indicates a desire to hire the applicant and is on official letterhead  

5. Evidence of shortage designation status  

6. No objection statement from the applicant’s country of nationality or last residence – if applicable  

7. Curriculum vitae  

8. Explanation for out of status – if the applicant spent any period of time in some other visa status, out of status, or outside of the US  

9. Form G-28 or letterhead from the law office – if applicant has an attorney  

REQUIRED ITEMS  

• $3000 Application fee via check made out to  Texas Department of State Health Services.   

 
Include payment with the application packet and If DSHS recommends the waiver to DOS. We won’t return the application fee. 

If the applicant withdraws the application before DSHS recommends the waiver to DOS, DSHS will refund 50% of the application fee.  

If DSHS does not recommend the waiver, DSHS will refund 100% of the application fee. 

• Document with the applicant’s Texas medical license number (if held), NPI number, and permanent email address  

• If the practice site is in a population-based HPSA, verification from program that the site is eligible – See C30-2022.03 in the policy manual for more information

Read the full Policy Manual for details.