Wisconsin Conrad 30 Waiver Program: Frequently Asked Questions

Wisconsin does not have a deadline. We accept applications on a first come basis until all 30 slots are filled.

We currently do not have a filing fee for the Conrad 30 Waiver Program application process.

Yes. Within the application, employers should be sure to address the exceptional need and public interest for the specialist physician in that area.

Certain subspecialties relating to a Wisconsin public health advisory on a crisis will be considered for the Wisconsin Conrad 30 Program. For example, in 2016, Wisconsin issued a public health advisory on the opioid crisis. Pathologist, medical examiners, and other subspecialties related to the opioid crisis are now being considered for a recommendation after the public health advisory announcement. USCIS will make a final determination on whether to approve the waiver application.

We will consider making up to 10 recommendations in non-HPSA areas per year.

Flex spots may be filled by primary care or specialist physicians. In order to be recommended for a non-HPSA placement at least 30% of the physician's primary care or specialty patients must come from surrounding HPSA or MUA/P areas. or meet the required extenuating criteria (see Flex Placement Criteria)

There are a number of ways to meet this requirement. One example is to run reports of patient address data (focusing on city, county, and/or zip code) and checking to see if those locations are in shortage areas. A list of zip codes with centroids within underserved areas, HPSA, MUA, and MUP, can be provided upon request. To discuss other ways to meet this requirement, please contact us.

Type in the physical address of the employment location here http://datawarehouse.hrsa.gov/GeoAdvisor/ShortageDesignationAdvisor.aspx.  The result will let you know if the area is an eligible primary care or mental health HPSA. Primary care and specialist physicians must be placed in primary care HPSAs or MUA/Ps and psychiatrists must be placed in mental health HPSAs.

Yes, we will consider making recommendations in HPSAs of all status, including proposed for withdrawal.  HPSAs which have been officially withdrawn in a Federal Register Notice are no longer recognized as designated or eligible shortage areas.

Yes, as long as the physician meets all requirements. Please check here for our requirements in providing a NIW letter: http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/primarycare/J-1Visa/state-letters.htm

We will consider clinicians that have completed a U.S. residency or fellowship. The type of job the clinician accepts must match the U.S. training received.