What Is the Difference Between a Physician IGA Waiver and Conrad State 30?
Both federal IGA and Conrad State 30 waivers can provide §212(e) relief for qualifying J-1 physicians, but the requesting government entity, program rules, documentation, and numerical limits differ.
IGA is requested by a federal agency
An Interested Government Agency physician waiver is requested by an interested U.S. federal government agency.
Conrad 30 is requested by a state public health department
The Conrad State 30 basis uses a request from a designated State Public Health Department or equivalent rather than a federal agency.
Conrad has a statutory annual state limit
INA §214(l) limits state requests under the Conrad program to 30 waivers per state per federal fiscal year, including the statutory provisions governing up to 10 qualifying placements outside the designated geographic area.
Both routes involve significant service requirements
Both physician waiver routes generally involve full-time medical employment and at least three years of service, although agency-specific rules and statutory exceptions can affect the precise requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IGA the same program as Conrad 30?
No. IGA uses a federal agency request; Conrad State 30 uses a designated state public health agency request.
Is federal IGA subject to the state's 30-waiver limit?
No. The 30-waiver state allocation applies to the state program, not the federal IGA route.
Can a physician apply under both bases at once?
DOS currently states that only one waiver basis may be used for a waiver recommendation application.
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