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

What Must a Conrad 30 Physician Employment Contract Require?

Current DOS instructions require a signed contract between the physician and the health care facility for at least three years and no less than 40 hours per week.

Reviewed by Peter Messersmith · 2026-09-14

The contract must cover at least three years

DOS requires a signed employment contract providing for no less than three years of qualifying employment.

The contract must provide at least 40 hours per week

Current DOS Conrad instructions specify no less than 40 hours a week.

Both the physician and facility head must sign

DOS calls for signatures by the physician and the head of the employing facility.

State programs may require additional terms

Individual states may require additional contract language concerning termination, liquidated damages, noncompete provisions, service locations, leave, call coverage, or other matters. The state-specific checklist should be reviewed before execution.

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

How long must the Conrad contract be?

At least three years.

How many hours per week?

Current DOS instructions require no less than 40 hours per week.

Can a state require additional contract language?

Yes. State program requirements may be more detailed than the federal minimum.

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