December 2019 J-1 Waiver (Conrad 30) - Physician Immigration update

Based on responses from the Conrad 30 program offices, to date, here is a real-time look at where physician candidates may be best placed for J-1 Waiver petitions.  Keep in mind that this list is dynamic and may fluctuate and that each Conrad 30 program may have other requirements regarding specialty, primary care, etc., which the following numerical list does not break down.  The numbers specify remaining slots as of the date listed behind each state.  "NR" indicates not reported. "PC" indicates primary care. "SS" indicates sub specialty. "Flex" is an available designation in certain states that allow for assignments in areas not designated as HPSA/MUA/MUP.

Alabama - 30; no SS applications until January 2020 (Current as of 11/15/19)

Alaska - 30 (Current as of 11/15/19)

Arizona -30 (Current as of 11/15/19)

Arkansas - 15; no Flex (Current as of 11/15/19)

California - Full until next cycle in October 2020 (unless pending files are rejected/withdrawn)

Colorado - 23 Open; 4 Flex (Current as of 11/15/19)

Connecticut - Full until next cycle in October 2020 (unless pending files are rejected/withdrawn)

Delaware - 30 (Current as of 11/15/19)

District of Columbia -27 Open, including 10 Flex (Current as of 11/15/19)

Florida - Full until next cycle in October 2020 (unless pending files are rejected/withdrawn)

Georgia - 4 PC; 3 Psychiatrist (Current as of 11/15/19)

Hawaii - 30 (Current as of 11/15/19)

Idaho - 26 (Current as of 11/19/19)

Illinois - 0*(Received 38 applications; will reopen in January 2020 if slots remain unfilled after initial review) (Current as of 11/18/19)

Indiana - 30 (34 applications received; still accepting applications through 12/31) (Current as of 11/15/19)

Iowa - 2 (Current as of 11/15/19)

Kansas - 6 (Current as of 11/18/19)

Kentucky - Full until next cycle in October 2020 (unless pending files are rejected/withdrawn)

Louisiana - 21 (Current as of 11/18/19)

Maine - Full until next cycle in October 2020 (unless pending files are rejected/withdrawn)

Maryland - 30 (received 5 applications) (Current as of 11/15/19)

Massachusetts - 30 (Accepting through January 2020; notified March 2020) (Current as of 11/15/19)

Michigan - Closed first round on Nov 1; 38 apps; will only reopen if unfilled (Current as of 11/15/19)

Minnesota - 5 (Received 25 applications, but not reviewing until 12/2) (Current as of 11/15/19)

Mississippi - 30 (Current as of 11/18/19)

Missouri - 30* (Received 45 applications, but not reviewing until 12/1) Those with HPSA score above 20 have high approvability) (Current as of 11/15/19)

Montana - 20 PC, 10 SS (Current as of 11/25/19)

Nebraska - Not reported, but indicate that they only do 15-20 per year so always room for more applications (Current as of 11/15/19)

Nevada - 29 (Current as of 11/15/19)

New Hampshire - 20 PC; 4 Flex (Current as of 11/15/19)

New Jersey - 24 (Current as of 11/18/19)

New Mexico - 7 (no flex) (Current as of 11/18/19)

New York - Reviewing in February 2020; Still accepting applications (Current as of 11/15/19)

North Carolina - 11 PC (Current as of 11/25/19)

North Dakota - 20 HPSA; 3 Flex (Current as of 11/19/19)

Ohio - 30 (not commenced) (priority on addiction treatment) (Current as of 11/15/19)

Oklahoma - 4; no flex (Current as of 11/25/19)

Oregon - 7 (Current as of 11/19/19)

Pennsylvania - 30 (5 in review) (Current as of 11/18/19)

Rhode Island - Full until next cycle, October 2020 (unless pending are rejected/withdrawn)

South Carolina - Full until next cycle, October 2020 (unless pending are rejected/withdrawn)

South Dakota - 20 HPSA; 1 Flex (Current as of 11/15/19)

Tennessee - 28 (Current as of 11/15/19)

Texas - Full until next cycle in October 2020 (unless pending files are rejected/withdrawn)

Utah - 30 (Current as of 11/18/19)

Vermont - 30 (10 flex) (Current as of 11/26/19)

Virginia - 25 (10 pending) (Current as of 11/15/19)

Washington - 19 (Current as of 11/18/19)

Washington D. C. (See "District of Columbia")

West Virginia - Full until next cycle, October 2020 - ARC possible

Wisconsin - Full until next cycle, October 2020 (unless pending are rejected/withdrawn)

Wyoming - 20 PC; 9 Flex (Current as of 11/15/19)

While there are other J-1 Waiver programs, including Delta Regional and Appalachian Regional, Conrad 30 programs remain the most frequently used program for those needing J-1 Waivers. Also, there are some benefits if the facility is a FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center).

Timing is everything and having the application prepared and evaluated thoroughly from the beginning will prevent delays and improve your chances of receiving the recommendation of a state program.