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Physician Visa Waiver Program
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(see HPSA map - Health Professional Shortage Areas in Oregon)
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Many Oregonians do not have access to a primary care doctor in their community. This is true in the majority of rural areas, as well as in some urban and suburban communities. In order to address this problem, Oregon started its Physician Visa Waiver Program (also known as the "Conrad Program" or "J-1 Visa Waiver Program ") in August 2002.
International medical graduates who study in the United States are required to return to their home countries for two years upon completion of residencies or fellowships. The Physician Visa Waiver Program allows these doctors to remain in the United States, if they accept employment in a federally designated shortage area.
The 2003 State Legislature enacted House Bill 2151, enabling creation of Administrative Rules 333-005 and collection of a $2000 application fee needed in order to implement and fund the program.
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Filling a Critical Medical Care Gap
A profile:
This physician literally brings a world of experience to her work as an Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the Providence Medical Center where she’s helping fill a critical medical care gap in the community.
Born in Mozambique, she’s lived in Portugal, South Africa, Canada and the United States. She speaks four languages and has degrees in medicine, architecture and biochemistry.
She completed Obstetrics and Gynecology training at Tufts New England Medical Center under a J-1 visa. It allows physicians to obtain residency training in the United States with the understanding that once the training is complete, the physician must return to their home country for 2 years.
But she sought and received a J-1 visa waiver, which allowed her to stay in the United States and work in a pre-designated rural or medically underserved area. After interviewing around the country, the family chose Oregon because of the diverse outdoor and cultural activities it offers.
This doctor is one of 58 currently working in 14 Oregon counties under the J-1 waiver program. Without them, many of the local residents would not have access to the medical expertise they bring.
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How Oregon's Physician Visa Waiver Program works . . .
The Physician Visa Waiver Program allows Oregon to sponsor 30 (thirty) J-1 Waiver applications per federal fiscal year, i.e., October 1-September 30.
Two slots have become available for October 1, 2007 - September 30, 2008.
Please contact Dia Shuhart, Program Coordinator, prior to starting the application process.
Application Forms
The employer and the J1 physician need to work together to complete the application. The Administrative Rules PDF give a general explanation of program requirements and the steps to complete the application process. The forms you will need are listed below:
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