J-1 Physician Visa Waiver Program
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Montana Primary Care Office are committed to improving access to primary medical and mental health care by participating in the U.S. Department of State Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Waiver program. Foreign medical graduates may apply for a J-1 visa waiver with a commitment to work in a healthcare shortage area.
The State of Montana can recommend up to thirty (30) visa waivers each year for primary care physicians or psychiatrists. A maximum of ten (10) flex positions are available to specialty care physicians. Preference is given to physicians working in primary care such as Family Practice, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Psychiatry. Additional preference is given to physicians completing a residency program in the State of Montana. The J-1 visa waiver program application cycle runs from October to September each year.
The J-1 physician must agree to work at a health facility in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA/P) for three (3) years on a full-time basis, no less than 40 hours a week, and begin working within 90 days of receiving the J-1 visa waiver. Visa waiver recommendations are reviewed by the Montana Primary Care Office and forwarded to the U.S. Department of State.
Montana J-1 Visa Waiver Application.
Foreign physicians that have worked for two years in a designated underserved area with a J-1 visa waiver may apply for a National Interest Waiver (NIW) to extend their stay while working in a designated health professional shortage area in Montana. NIW public interest letter applications may be filed before the completion of the J-1 visa waiver, but the total time of employment under the NIW must be at least five years. There is no limit on the number of NIW applicants the Montana PCO may support in a year.
Montana National Interest Waiver Application
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Application information current as of 4/2/2025
Contact information:
Montana Primary Care Office
Family and Community Health Bureau
1625 11th Avenue
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59620
(406) 444-3934