The associated fees are as follows: A nonrefundable $200 application fee must be submitted with the complete application. A check for the $1200 processing fee must also be submitted with a complete application. The processing fee is refundable if the application is not selected and processed for a waiver. However, if the application is selected and processed for a waiver, the $1200 will not be refunded for any reason. (i.e. the waiver is rejected by another agency, the candidate later withdraws the application, etc…)  

Other fees and requirements of the USDS apply and must be followed for successful application processing. Additional details may be found on the State Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1296.html.  

Applications for the Conrad State 30 program will be accepted in up to two application windows for Fiscal Year 2011-2012. The first window during which applications will be accepted is between October 1, 2011 and November 30, 2011. In the event that fewer than thirty applications are received in the first application window, a second window will begin  February 1, 2012 and close once we have filled all thirty slots. For information regarding the status of available slots after the November application period, please go to the MHC website at www.mimom.org. MDCH reserves the right to open up additional application windows later on in the fiscal year, in the event applicants drop out and slots become available again.     

J-1 Visa Waiver candidates will be evaluated based on the answers provided in the application which will affect the final determination. The Michigan Department of Community Health reserves the right to modify the J-1 Visa Waiver preference criteria in response to Michigan's changing health care provider needs. MDCH will make every attempt to post current and accurate preference criteria on the MHC website (www.mimom.org) before each application period.  

The FY2011-2012 Guidelines    

The 30 applications selected for sponsorship will then be sent to the USDS, where they will be reviewed and forwarded to the USCIS (formerly the "INS") for final approval. The MDCH will notify the applicant (or representative) by letter regarding the status of the application by the end of March that application year.  

Please be advised that:  

1) if the state of Michigan does choose your application for waiver sponsorship and the USCIS approves it, then MDCH will ask your employer to report any changes in your employment at your Visa Waiver site.     

2) although the State of Michigan is now accepting non-primary care specialists for placement, it is not acceptable for a dual specialized physician who is granted a Michigan waiver as a primary care physician to change his or her employment responsibilities to a non-primary care specialty during the course of their three-year waiver obligation period .     

To do so would be considered a breach of agreement, and the State of  Michigan would provide the USDS and USCIS office with this information to act on at their discretion. The MDCH will notify these federal offices by letter regarding any waiver physicians who do not adhere to any of the terms of the three-year obligation in any way. A default may result in legal action and eventual deportation by the USCIS .  

For more information about the application, please contact the Michigan Health Council or visit their website at www.mimom.org .