Under certain circumstances, the Appalachian Regional Commission will request a waiver of immigration requirements for foreign-trained physicians doing residency work in the United States under a J-1 visa. Physicians receiving these waivers must practice for at least three years in rural Appalachian Health Professional Shortage Areas.

Requests for waivers under the ARC J-1 Visa Program must be sponsored by a state within the Appalachian Region. All inquiries should be made to state contacts.

ARC Federal Co-Chairman's J-1 Visa Waiver Policy
Map of Appalachian Region
J-1 Visa Waiver State Public Contacts