J-1 Visa Waiver: General Information

The Wisconsin J-1 visa waiver program increases access to primary health and mental health care in rural and urban communities that have shortages of primary care physicians and psychiatrists, by helping medical clinics recruit foreign physicians. Qualified foreign physicians must have completed their advanced clinical training in an approved U.S. residency training program, must agree to work in the shortage area for three years, and must increase access to primary health care. 

State health departments can recommend up to five (5) J-1 visa waivers per year for physicians to be employed in non-designated areas, if they will serve populations in surrounding shortage areas and if exceptional need and public interest can be demonstrated. 

Wisconsin's J-1 waiver program can also consider recommending a J-1 visa waiver for foreign physicians in other medical specialties when exceptional need and public interest can be demonstrated. 

Between 2001 and 2006, the Wisconsin J-1 visa waiver program helped medical clinics recruit more than 121 foreign physicians to increase access to primary care and general mental health care in rural and urban shortage areas throughout the state. This program is coordinated with the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security - Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Last Revised: December 19, 2007