The Conrad 30 J-1 program which allows each state to recruit up to 30 physicians on J-1 visas per year to work in underserved areas is set to begin to expire beginning October 1st. The program has been extended numerous times since it was created in 1994 and is one of the most popular programs in the US immigration system. However, the program expires at the same time as the EB-5 regional center program, E-Verify and certain special immigrant religious worker visa programs. Bloomberg BNA reports on the debate (quoting our attorney Greg Siskind).
The major obstacle to extending is the lack of resolution over policy differences in the EB-5 program. Some members of Congress are threatening to block the extension of the EB-5 program if those differences are not resolved. The likely result is a short extension of a few months until after the Presidential election.