(1) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, this rule governs the allocation of departmental J-1 visa waiver sponsorships of specialists and primary care physicians during the federal fiscal year, which begins on October 1st of each year.

(2) The department will accept complete applications during an application review period of October 1st through October 15th of each year.

(3) The department may open an additional application review period from November 15th through September 1st if waiver slots are available.

(4) The application review period will be announced on the department's website at least 10 business days prior to the start date of the application review period.

(5) Flex waiver applications will only be received beginning January 1st of each year if waiver slots are available.

(6) From October 1st through October 15th of each year, applicants will not be allotted more than:

(a) Two sponsorships per practice location(s); and

(b) Three waiver sponsorships, including integrated health care systems.

(7) The primary application package must be submitted electronically to the department. Instructions on how to submit electronic applications will be available on the department's website.

(8) A secondary application package must be mailed or sent by commercial carrier, as long as the U.S. Department of State requires a paper application. The mailing address will be available on the department's website.

(9) Applications must be completed, meet all state and federal requirements, and must include all required documents as specified in the department application form. Application forms will be available on the department's website.