J-1 Update: Premium Processing Reinstated
Melissa Knipp
As of June 26, 2017, J-1 physicians once again have access to premium visa processing. While premium processing was made unavailable just a few months ago, lawmakers reversed course and will allow J-1 physicians to expedite the review of their visa applications.
Premium processing takes only two weeks, which is much faster than the regular processing time of six to eight months. It will be available for those with Conrad 30 waivers and Interested Government Agency (IGA) waivers, which includes Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and Delta Regional Authority (DRA).
Also, there are now ten weeks until the October reset date for the Conrad 30 program. Texas, which opens September 1st, is one of few exceptions to the reset date and is accepting applications based on state needs, such as primary care or other specialties, rather than strictly first-come, first served.
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