J-1 Visa Waiver Program

National Guidelines 

Although each state has developed its own application rules and guidelines, the following program requirements apply to all J-1 foreign medical graduates.

The J-1 foreign medical graduate must:

• Have been admitted to the United States under section 101(a)(15)(J) of the INA to receive graduate medical training;
• Enter into a bona fide, full-time employment contract to practice medicine in H-1B nonimmigrant status for at least 3 years at a health care facility located in an area designated by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), Medically Underserved Area (MUA), or Medically Underserved Population (MUP) or serving patients who reside in a HPSA, MUA, or MUP.
• Obtain a “no objection” statement in writing from their home country if they are contractually obligated to return to their home country upon completion of the exchange program.
• Agree to begin employment at the health care facility, specified in the waiver application, within 90 days of receipt of the waiver, not the date their J-1 visa expires.

Visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services page for further information