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The Messersmith Law Firm, P.A. J-1 Waivers and INA §212(e)
Physician J-1 Waivers

Does a Home-Government-Funded Conrad Physician Need a No Objection Statement?

Yes. Current DOS instructions state that a physician whose exchange program received funding from the home-country government must obtain an additional No Objection Statement specifically supporting the Conrad State 30 waiver.

Reviewed by Peter Messersmith · 2026-09-14

A No Objection Statement may be required in addition to Conrad sponsorship

DOS states that if the physician received funding from the home-country government to participate in the exchange program, the home government must submit a No Objection Statement to the Waiver Review Division.

The statement is not the ordinary physician No Objection waiver basis

The physician remains a Conrad State 30 applicant. The No Objection Statement is an additional document supporting the state-requested waiver.

The statement must identify the Conrad purpose

DOS requires the statement to specify that it is for a waiver requested by a designated State Public Health Department or equivalent, or Conrad State 30 Program.

Review the source of funding carefully

The applicant should identify whether the J program actually received home-government funding before assuming the additional statement is unnecessary.

Legal Authorities and Sources

  1. U.S. Department of State — How to Apply for a J-1 Waiver
  2. U.S. Department of State — J-1 Waiver Eligibility
  3. 8 U.S.C. §1184(l)

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Conrad physician need a No Objection Statement?

No. DOS identifies this additional requirement when the physician received home-country government funding for the exchange program.

Is this the ordinary No Objection waiver category?

No. The waiver basis remains Conrad State 30.

What must the statement identify?

It must state that it supports the designated State Public Health Department or Conrad State 30 waiver request.

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