January 2021 - Conrad 30 Updates - J-1 Waiver - Physician Immigration

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 - Unreported; 10 PC and 20 SS (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Alaska - 29 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Arizona - Unknown (Current as of 12/21/2020); Application cycle closed until initial review

Arkansas - 0 Flex; 15 Designated (Current as of 12/21/2020)

California - 12 received (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Colorado - 27; 9 flex (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Connecticut - Received 30 applications; 3 processed so far (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Delaware - 19 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

District of Columbia -29 Open, 10 Flex (Current as of 12/28/2020)

Florida - Full until next cycle in October 2021

Georgia - Full until next cycle in August 2021

Hawaii - 30 (Current as of 11/19/2020)

Idaho - 30 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Illinois - 28 applications received; Application cycle to reopen January 1, 2021 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Indiana - received 34, 9 of those being PC. will accept specialists until 35 and PC until the end of the year regardless of numbers (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Iowa - Received 30 applications; may close pending review of pending (Current as of 12/28/2020)

Kansas - 8; remainder on rolling approval (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Kentucky - Full until next cycle in October 2021

Louisiana - 24 (Current as of 12/22/2020)

Maine - Full until next cycle in October 2021

Maryland - 30 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Massachusetts - Deadline Dec 31; only received 9 applications (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Michigan -  Full until next cycle in October 2021

Minnesota - Full until next cycle in October 2021 (Unless pending applications denied/withdrawn)

Mississippi - 30 (Current as of 11/19/2020)

Missouri - Full until next cycle in October 2021

Montana - 30 (Current as of 11/19/2020)

Nebraska - 19 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Nevada - 23 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

New Hampshire - 15 Designated; 2 Flex (Current as of 12/21/2020)

New Jersey - 29 (Current as of 12/23/2020)

New Mexico - 11 (Current as of 12/23/2020)

New York - Closed and reviewing; decisions likely in March (Current as of 12/22/2020)

North Carolina - 14 PC only (Current as of 12/21/2020)

North Dakota - 4 Flex; 19 HPSA (Current as of 12/23/20)

Ohio - 30 (not commenced) (priority on addiction treatment) (Current as of 12/22/20)

Oklahoma - 9 (Current as of 11/19/2020)

Oregon - 14 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Pennsylvania - 22 applications received; 2nd cycle opens Jan. 1 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Rhode Island - Full until next cycle, October 2021

South Carolina - Full until next cycle, October 2021

South Dakota - 25 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Tennessee - 25 (Current as of 12/28/2020)

Texas - 2 (Current as of 12/28/2020)

Utah - 29 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

Vermont - 29 (Current as of 12/22/2020)

Virginia - Full until next cycle, October 2021

Washington - 15 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

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

West Virginia - Full until next cycle in October 2021

Wisconsin - 2 HPSA (Current as of 1/4/2021)

Wyoming - 29 (Current as of 12/21/2020)

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.