Federal regulations require that a physician filing an PNIW petition provide a letter from either a state Department of Public Health (MDH) or a federal agency. The letter must attest that the physician's work was or is in the public interest.
A PNIW letter of support from MDH will show previous and future commitment to working in an underserved orrural part of the State. Site location must be in a HPSA or MUA/P
How to Request a Physician National Interest Waiver (PNIW) letter
If you were previously approved for a J-1 Visa Waiver in Maryland, submit the following:
- Letter requesting PNIW letter, indicating the date in which physician began J-1 obligation and all the sites he/she will be working;
- Revised and signed employment contract covering the required period of clinical medical practice;
- Verification of Employment form;
- Maryland Site Application(s), if adding or deleting site;
If you were approved for a J-1 Visa Waiver and are transferring from another state or are on a H1-B and are requesting a 5- year PNIW (did not have a Maryland J-1 Visa Waiver) submit the following:
- Letter requesting PNIW letter, indicated the dates in which physician served a J-1 obligation (if appropriate) and all the sites he/she will be working;
- Employment contract or employment commitment letter covering the required period of clinical medical practice;
- If a physician acquired experience with more than one employer, the request must contain evidence of past service in an underserved area (as applicable);
- Maryland Site Application(s);
- Form G-28/Letter of Representation;
