J-1 Visas in Washington
If you want to obtain a J-1 Waiver in Washington, 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 Washington now.
- Connect with the J-1 contact to ask questions and learn about additional steps you may need to take.
The Washington State Department of Health administers the J-1 Physician Visa Waiver program. The goal of the program is to increase the number of physicians available to work in rural and underserved areas of the state. The program is considered a secondary tool in recruitment, used when efforts to recruit a U.S. trained physician have been unsuccessful for an extended period of time.
Washington State will sponsor up to 30 waivers per federal fiscal year (October 1 through September 30).
At least 20 of the total waivers are available to primary care physicians.
Up to 10 of the total waivers are available to specialists.
On April 1 of each year, any waivers remaining unfilled will be available to either primary care or specialist physicians on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligible employers in Washington must be located in a designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) or whole-county Medically Underserved Area (MUA). We may sponsor up to five of the total waivers to physicians who will practice at healthcare facilities located in non-designated areas that meet the criteria in WAC 246-562-075. Washington does not require a minimum HPSA score or a specific facility type. For more information see: Applicant Eligibility Criteria. The J-1 Visa Application form (PDF) will be accepted beginning October 1 of each year.
Washington State J-1 Visa Waiver Program specifics.
J-1 Visa Contact in Washington:
Sarah Gambrill
Office of Community and Rural Health
J1VisaWaiver@doh.wa.gov