House Approves J-1 Visa Waiver
Expansion
June 28, 2002- The House of Representatives June 25
approved legislation (H.R.
4858) to increase the number of J-1 visa waivers that
each state may sponsor. Specifically, the legislation expands
the "Conrad 20" program to allow each state to sponsor
30 physicians each year for waivers of the J-1 visa's home
country requirement. Currently, the program allows each state
to recommend 20 physicians for waivers. The bill also extends
authorization for the program, which had expired on June 1,
until June 1, 2004. H.R. 4858 was received in the Senate on
June 26 and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
Under the J-1 visa program, foreign physicians must return
to their home country following completion of their training
for at least two years before they are allowed to re-enter
the United States. This home country requirement may be waived
if the individual is sponsored by an interested government
entity and promises to practice in an underserved area for
at least three years. Aside from the Conrad 20 program, the
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has served as a primary
sponsor of J-1 visa waivers for physicians wishing to serve
in rural areas. However, citing security concerns, the USDA
announced in February that it would no longer recommend J-1
visa waivers for foreign physicians [see
Washington Highlights, March 22]. A federal interagency
taskforce is currently reviewing the J-1 visa waiver program
for foreign physicians.
Information:
Jonathan Fishburn, Director, Research, Education and Veterans' Legislative Affairs
AAMC Office of Governmental Relations
jfishburn@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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