Nurses

Immigrating to the USA in order to pursue a nursing career may be achieved through a number of specific American visa services.

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To be eligible, nurses must be certified through the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or an equivalent approved independent orgahttp://www.globalvisas.com/admin/pages.php?do=edit&pageid=385nization.

Alternatively, there may be other options on how to qualify one’s credentials and you should contact Global Visas US branch office for further inquiry.

Those wishing to migrate to the USA on a temporary basis as a Registered Nurse may apply for a visa category as described below.

H-1C Visas

The H-1C visa permits foreign trained nurses to work temporarily at hospitals in Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA).

To be eligible for an H-1C visa, the foreign national must be competent in the oral and written English language and be coming to the US to temporarily perform services as a Registered Nurse (RN) and meet the following requirements:

Obtained a full and unrestricted license to practice professional nursing in the country where the skilled worker obtained nursing education or has received nursing education in the United States;
Passed an appropriate examination (recognized in regulations promulgated in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services) such as the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) or its equivalency or has a full and unrestricted license under State law to practice professional nursing in the State of intended employment; and,
Is fully qualified and eligible under the laws (including such temporary or interim licensing requirements which authorize the nurse to be employed) governing the place of intended employment to engage in the practice of professional nursing as a registered nurse immediately upon admission to the United States and is authorized under such laws to be employed by the facility.

H-1B Visas

The H-1B visa, offers another vehicle for nurses to obtain employment-authorized visas.

The nursing professional must establish that the petition is a specialty occupation and that s/he has a degree or its equivalent pursuant to H-1B regulations such as passing the foreign nurses exam (NCLEX-RN) and state licensure requirements.

Although H-1B visas are classed as non-immigrant visas, a common practice among those wishing to remain in the USA indefinitely is to begin H1-B and US Green Card proceedings at the same time.

Since the process of applying for a Green Card can be lengthy, this approach allows the candidate to progress smoothly from the temporary United States visa to permanent residency.

H-3 Visas

Nurses may also qualify for an H-3 trainee visa if they have unrestricted license in a country where they received medical education or obtained an education in the US or Canada and a petition by sponsoring employer states that the nurse is qualified under state law to receive training.

Dependents

Dependents of applicants in possession of an H-1C, H-1B, or H-3 visa will be granted an H-4 visa which allows them to study in America although working is not permitted.

For dependents of those achieving permanent resident status to live in the USA, the same rights and privileges as the principle applicant would be granted.

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