J-1 Visas in North Carolina
If you want to obtain a J-1 Visa Waiver in North Carolina, here’s what you need to do:
- Start your job search about 18 months prior to when you want to start working.
- Find a job at an eligible J-1 site in our state. You can search for J-1 eligible jobs on 3RNET. Start your J-1 job search in North Carolina now.
- Connect with the J-1 contact to ask questions and learn about additional steps you may need to take.
North Carolina J-1 Visa Waiver Guidelines
In addition to the Conrad 30 J-1 Visa Program, J-1 visa waivers are available in North Carolina through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
The ARC program is open only to physicians practicing in HPSAs located within Appalachian counties. The HHS program is open only to primary care physicians practicing in HPSAs scoring 7 or above. In an effort to maximize available resources and improve access to healthcare in underserved areas, waiver applicants that are eligible for the ARC or HHS J-1 Visa Programs are encouraged to utilize these programs prior to applying for Conrad 30.
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) J-1 Visa Waiver Program
The North Carolina Office of Rural Health works with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) J-1 Visa Waiver Program to enable medical providers in the ARC counties in North Carolina to recruit and employ international medical graduates who may obtain a waiver of their two-year home residency requirements and practice in a health shortage area. For further information on the ARC J-1 Visa Waiver Program, visit the ARC website.
North Carolina ARC Counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Davie, Forsyth, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, McDowell, Macon, Madison, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, and Yancey
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Exchange Visitor Program
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) manages this program as it relates to health research and clinical care. Physicians must deliver health care services for three years in a mental health or primary care shortage area.
Two types of waivers are administered under this program:
- Research performed in an area the agency deems priority or significant, and
- Primary health care services located in Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA) scoring 7 or above. HHS will process an application for waiver for a physician to practice in a primary care specialty (family medicine, general internal medicine, general pediatrics, obstetrics & gynecology) or general psychiatry.
The Health Care Access Branch can assist with compiling, reviewing and submitting applications and may provide a letter of support for the application. For more information, review the Exchange Visitor Program website.
J-1 Visa Contact in North Carolina:
Karen Gliarmis
North Carolina Office of Rural Health
Tel: 919-527-6440
PlacementServices@dhhs.nc.gov
Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) J-1 Visa Waiver Program Contact:
Deann Reed Fairfax
Program Specialist, Office of the General Counsel
Appalachian Regional Commission
1666 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009-1068
Tel: 202-884-7786
DFairfax@arc.gov