Comparison Table of State J-1 Visa Waiver Program, HHS J-1 Visa Waiver Program, and Physician National Interest Waiver Program

Conrad 30 (J-1 Visa) Waiver Program 

Who Qualifies: 
Physicians who provide primary health care, mental health care, and specialty care who meet certain requirements.

​What you get: 
Recipients of a waiver agree to a full-time, 3-year service obligation in an underserved area of the state, as designated by the federal government. The program allows for 30 waiver spots per Federal Fiscal Year (October 1 – September 30), 10 of which are considered flex spots for physicians who agree to work in non-designated areas, yet still serve residents in underserved areas. 
When to apply:
J-1 visa waiver requests are accepted annually in the fall. Refer to the J-1 Visa Waiver Program Guidance for more details about submitting a request.
How to apply: 
Application guidance can be found on the Iowa Department of Public Health Rural Health and Primary Care web page. ​

Jan Pederson, an immigration attorney with extensive background and experience in the J-1 Visa Waiver process, provides an overview of the types of J-1 waivers available and the process of obtaining a waiver.

Physician National Interest Waiver Program

Who Qualifies: 
Primary Care Physicians (such as a general practitioner, family practice practitioner, general
internist, pediatrician, obstetrician/gynecologist, or psychiatrist) or a specialty physician.
What you get: 
Recipients of a waiver agree to work full-time in a clinical practice for an aggregate of 5 years either in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), Mental Health Professional Area
(MHPSA – for psychiatrists only), a Medically Underserved Population (MUP), or a Medically
Underserved Area (MUA) for the entire service obligation period.
When to apply:
Physician National Interest Waiver request packets are accepted anytime.
How to apply: 
Application guidance can be found on the Iowa Department of Public Health Rural Health and Primary Care web page.​

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