Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program

♦ 1 slot remaining for FY25 ♦

The Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program Office administers the Conrad 30 Waiver Program  for Texas. The Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program allows each state’s department of health to recommend up to 30 international medical graduates (IMGs) each year for a waiver of the J-1 visa requirement to return to the IMG’s home country for two years. In order to receive a waiver, IMGs must serve in designated health professional shortage areas (HPSAs), medically underserved areas (MUAs), or medically underserved populations (MUPs) for three years.  The Texas Conrad 30 Waiver Program Policy Manual outlines eligibility and ranking criteria, and is updated annually.

Priority Application Window: September 3, 2024 - September 17, 2024.  

Send applications and application fee, via UPS, USPS, or FedEx, to the mailing address below*:

Texas Department of State Health Services
Cash Receipts Branch, MC 2003, J1
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756

*Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted.

Required 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.  Contract 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 of employment 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. For each practice site, the estimated schedule of hours (not percentages) per week

   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

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 using the HRSA Find Shortage Areas tools

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  

10. Document with the applicant’s Texas medical license number (or verification that physician has applied for a Texas medical license), NPI number, and permanent email address

11. If the practice site is in a population-based HPSA, verification email from Program that the site is eligible

12. $3000 Application fee via check made out to Texas Department of State Health Services

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

View the current Policy Manual for more details.