What is the Texas
Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program?
The Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program administers the Conrad
30 Waiver Program for Texas. The Conrad 30 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 the waiver, IMGs
must serve in designated health professional shortage areas (HPSAs), medically
underserved areas (MUAs), or medically underserved populations (MUPs) for three
years. The program in Texas further restricts which HPSAs, MUAs, and MUPs are
eligible. Please read the program policy in Texas
Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program Policy Manual for more information about
eligible areas and how the Texas program prioritizes applications. We have updated eligibility criteria and our prioritization policy for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2020.
How do I apply to the
Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program?
Please read the Texas
Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program Policy Manual for instructions. This
manual describes the application process and provides a checklist of items to
include in your application.
When can I apply to
the Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program?
You can apply during the annual application cycle. The next application cycle is from September 3, 2019 through September 16, 2019 for FFY 2020. The program is full for FFY 2019.
How much does it cost
to apply to the Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program?
The application fee for FFY 2021 is $3000.
Where can I work?
Please read the Texas
Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program Policy Manual for information on which
areas are eligible, as not all HPSAs and MUAs are eligible. We have updated the eligibility criteria for FFY 2020, including criteria for MUAs. We are currently in the process of reviewing and updating MUAs, which may affect the eligibility of certain MUAs for FFY 2020. No MUPs are
eligible. You may contact
our office to verify a specific location. The following links provide
listings of federally designated HPSAs and MUAs:
HPSAs: https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/hpsa-find
MUAs: https://data.hrsa.gov/tools/shortage-area/mua-find
You may also find the federal Health Resources and Services
Administration’s Health
Workforce Connector to be a useful resource as you consider potential
positions.
Are there other J-1
visa waiver programs?
Yes, another option for physicians seeking to practice in
Texas is the federal Department
of Health and Human Services J-1 Waiver Program.
How do I request a
National Interest Waiver letter?
Please email your request to Conrad30@dshs.texas.gov. Please
include the following items in your email:
- Physician’s full name
- Practice name
- Practice address
- Practice county
- Physician’s specialty
- Date J-1 visa waiver was approved by U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services (if applicable)
- Date the physician began or will begin service
to the area
- Name and address to whom you would like the
letter addressed
- If you want a hard copy of the letter, the name
and address to whom we should send the letter
How do I contact the
Texas Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program?
You may email us at Conrad30@dshs.texas.gov.