To assist with recruitment of health professionals, the State Primary Care Office has made 3RNet (The National Rural Recruitment and Retention Network) available. 3RNet is a web-based system that helps health professionals find practice opportunities in rural and underserved areas throughout the country. For opportunities in Mississippi, please visit www.3rnet.org. Health Professionals can also post their information on the site.
J-1 Visas
The Primary Care Office has been designated to serve as a State Contact and clearinghouse for the Conrad State 30 and Appalachian Regional Commission J-1 Visa Waiver Programs.
- The J-1 Visa Waiver Process
- Conrad State 30 J-1 Visa Program Guidelines
- Conrad State 30 J-1 Visa Application Packet
- ARC J-1 Visa Program Guidelines
- ARC J-1 Visa Waiver Application Packet
The PCO will administer the programs in a fair and consistent manner, as well as provide technical assistance to all interested in developing either the site predetermination or actual application for placement of a foreign-trained J-1 Visa Waiver provider.
National Interest Waiver
National Interest Waivers fall in the employment-based immigration second preference EB-2 category. Under normal conditions, labor certification is required in EB-2 visa cases, in which the U.S. employer must show that there are no qualified U.S. employees to fill the position offered. In the case of a National Interest Waiver, the labor certification process is waived, if it is in the best interest of the United States. The Mississippi State Department of Health can issue a support letter for a National Interest Waiver (NIW) if the agency deems the proposed employment to be in the public’s interest. Interested physicians should see the NIW guidelines below.
- National Interest Waiver Guidelines
- MSDH National Interest Waiver Application
- National Interest Waiver: Physician Verification of Employment Form
J-1 Visa Waiver Forms
Scholarships
- Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program
Educational funding for college students who intend to practice in rural areas
Related Links
- J-1 Visa Waivers - Appalachian Regional Commission (arc.gov)
- ARC J-1 Visa Waiver Program - FAQs
- EduMed: Rural Health
- National Health Service Corps
- Health Resource Service Administration (HRSA)
- HRSA: Bureau of Health Workforce
- HRSA: Health Profession Shortage Areas
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Bureau of Primary Health Care
- Mississippi Primary Health Care Association
