The 2025-2026 application cycle will be October 16, 2025 - April 16, 2026
Applications should not be submitted before the official open enrollment period beginning on October 16, 2025. Applications submitted before then are at risk of not being reviewed. We appreciate your interest in the program, and we look forward to receiving your application.
Conrad 30 Waiver Program Overview
Federal Law requires International Medical Graduates (IMGs) who are not U.S. citizens to apply for the J-1 visa, which allows IMGs to remain in the U.S. until they complete their studies. Following their studies, the IMGs on J-1 visas (the "J-1 Physicians") must return to their home country for at least two (2) years before they can return to the U.S. (the "two-year home country physical presence requirement").
The Virginia Conrad 30 Waiver Program agrees to waive the "two-year home country physical presence requirement" by sponsoring J-1 Physicians who agree to serve in designated shortage areas of the Commonwealth.
- All Virginia Conrad 30 Waiver applications require an online application, and an emailed electronic original submitted to: incentiveprograms@vdh.virginia.gov
The emailed electronic original should include the following:
- The complete application packet with all supporting documents
The typed checklist is at the top of the application. (The most current checklist is now posted.) (Checklist link)
The U.S Department of State assigned number shall be affixed to each form in the bottom right corner
- Alphabetical placement headers are required to identify each section. (Placement Headers Example link)
Note: Please see the Conrad 30 Waiver Program Guidelines for detailed clarifications. Guidelines
- Incomplete applications will be returned and will not be reviewed
Quick Links
Virginia Conrad 30 Waiver Program
Other Programs
National Interest Waiver Program
Guidelines revised 040117 - NIW
ARC J-1 Waiver Program
Virginia Conrad 30 Waiver Program J-1 Physicians Assurances
Conrad 30 Waiver Program Orientation 2020
Fees
2019 Application Fee: $0
2020 Application Fee: $0
2021 Application Fee: $0
2022 Application Fee: $0
2023 Application Fee: $0
2024 Application Fee: $0
2025 Application Fee: $0
Improving access to primary health care and needed specialty care in medically underserved areas is an important goal of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The purpose of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Conrad 30 Waiver Program is to increase access by sponsoring J-1 Physicians who agree to serve in medically underserved areas of the Commonwealth to waive the “two-year home country physical presence requirement,” which would otherwise be required.
Contact Virginia Conrad, 30 J-1 Visa Waiver:
Attn: Virginia Conrad 30 Waiver
109 Governor Street, Suite 714 West
Richmond, Virginia 23219
If you have any questions about the program, please get in touch with the Workforce Incentive Program Team by calling (804) 864-7435 or emailing incentiveprograms@vdh.virginia.gov.