Advanced Physician J-1 Waiver Compliance
Can a Conrad 30 Physician Work Fewer Than 40 Hours Per Week?
DOS requires the Conrad employment contract to provide at least 40 hours per week for three years. A reduction below the required full-time schedule can create a waiver-compliance issue and should be reviewed before the schedule changes.
Reviewed by Peter Messersmith ·
2026-09-14
The federal contract requirement is 40 hours per week
DOS requires a signed employment contract for not less than three years and 40 hours per week as part of a Conrad State 30 request.
A permanent reduction creates a compliance concern
A physician should not assume that a part-time schedule satisfies a waiver approved on the basis of a full-time 40-hour contract.
Temporary absences require separate analysis
Vacation, protected leave, illness, or another temporary absence raises different issues from permanently converting the approved position to part-time employment.
H-1B terms must also remain accurate
A material change in the terms and conditions of H-1B employment can require immigration action separate from the waiver analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 32 hours per week enough for Conrad service?
The standard Conrad contract requirement published by DOS is 40 hours per week.
Does every short absence violate the waiver?
Not necessarily. Temporary leave should be distinguished from changing the approved position to an ongoing part-time job.
Can reduced hours also affect H-1B status?
Potentially. Material changes to H-1B employment should be reviewed separately.
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