We can recommend to the U.S. Department of State that the two-year home obligation be waived for qualified international medical graduates.
Request a waiver
Once an application has been submitted, notify Em Moratto at em.moratto@state.co.us.
Slots available
We typically only fill 12-15 slots each year. Please contact us for current availability of waiver and/or flex slots.
Requirements
Physicians must:
- Practice full time in an underserved area for three years.
- Practice in the public interest.
- Submit a complete application with payment.
About the program
- Physicians who attend medical school and receive a medical degree in a foreign country are permitted to come to the United States for residency training on a J-1 visa.
- Upon completion of residency training, these physicians are required to return to their home country for two years before applying for a new U.S. visa.
- The two-year home-return requirement may be waived if the physician is willing to practice medicine full time for three years in an underserved area of the United States.
- Physicians must work in underserved areas of the state to increase access to primary and specialty medical services.
- No state can make more than 30 waiver recommendations each year.
- Ten “flex” placements are available each year to physicians who serve the underserved but aren't located in a federally designated shortage area.
- Waivers can be granted for primary care or specialist physicians.
Resources
View the state rules and regulations.
View the federal rules and regulations.
Additional information on J-1 visas for travel to the United States
Connect with nonprofit health care recruiters in rural Colorado.