The DC 30/ J-1 Visa Waiver Program encourages International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to practice in underserved areas of the District for three years in exchange for a waiver of the J-1 visa home residency requirement. The Program issues up to 30 waiver recommendations each year (October-September) to IMGs with degrees in the primary care specialties (Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, or Geriatrics), or in specialties related to the District’s leading causes of death (heart disease, cancer, cerebrovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, accidents, and chronic lower respiratory diseases).

To be eligible, an applicant must practice in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) that is appropriate to the services the applicant will provide or be able to demonstrate that his/her service will otherwise be in the public’s interest. The DOH will issue up to 10 “Flex” slot recommendations each year for the applicants not practicing in HPSAs. Please see the DC-30/J-1 Visa Waiver Program and Application Guidelines for detailed information on “public interest” determinations.

DOH also accepts Physician National Interest Waiver (PNIW) requests. Please see the DC-30/J-1 Visa Waiver Program and Application Guidelines for details on eligibility for PNIW recommendations.

Related Resources