Ohio J-1 Visa Waiver Program

614.644.8508
PCRH@odh.ohio.gov

The Ohio State 30 J-1 Visa Waiver Program offers a J-1 Visa waiver to foreign physicians who commit to serving for 3 years in an underserved area of Ohio, waiving the foreign medical residency requirement and allowing them to remain in the United States. The program is intended to provide physician services in areas that typically have difficulty attracting and retaining physicians.

Ohio Department of Health has a strong preference for primary care physicians and psychiatrists who will practice in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs).

Applications for other specialties are accepted with adequate documentation of community need.

This is an incentive program that offers foreign physicians a visa waiver, allowing them to work in the U.S.

A non-refundable fee of $3,571 is required for each application.

Links to additional guidance and the application packet are available on the program website.

Application process:

1. Email a Notice of Intent to Apply to PCRH@odh.ohio.gov as soon as possible.
2. Mail the application fee and fee form to:
   Ohio Department of Health
   Attn: Revenue Unit
   246 N. High St., 5th floor
   Columbus, OH 43215
3. Email a scanned copy of the application, fee check, and fee form to PCRH@odh.ohio.gov.

Applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2025.