J-1 Visas in West Virginia
If you want to obtain a J-1 Visa Waiver in West Virginia, 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 West Virginia now.
- Connect with the J-1 contact to ask questions and learn about additional steps you may need to take.
West Virginia coordinates and administers J-1 Visa Waivers through the two Federal programs; the Appalachian Regional Commission J-1 Visa Waivers and the Department of State "Conrad 30" Program.
When applying using the Appalachian Regional Commission program physician’s request must be sponsored by a state located within the Appalachian Region. The physician must agree to provide primary clinical care for 40 hours per week at a site located in a Health Professional Shortage Area.
For the Department of State Conrad 30 program physicians must agree to provide medical care for a minimum of 40 hours per week in either a Health Professional Shortage Area or a Medically Underserved Area. Sub-specialists and specialists are allowed to participate in this program, in addition to primary care providers. West Virginia J-1 Visa Waiver Program requires a three-year service obligation.
J-1 Visa Contact in West Virginia:
Bethlhem Amare
Bureau for Public Health
Office of Community and Rural Health Services
West Virginia State Office of Rural Health
Tel: 304-558-4382
bethlhem.s.amare@wv.gov