Foreign Nurse: Nonimmigrant And Immigrant Visas
The H-1A visa category expired on September 1, 1995, and was later extended until September 30, 1997. Currently, the H-1A visa category no longer exists.
In terms of the H-1C visa category, there is a 500 per year cap on this type of visa. This visa category is for hospitals which are in disadvantaged areas in the U.S. The H-1C program expired in 2004
In terms of the TN visa category, citizens of Mexico and Canada can obtain this visa and in the past it has been pretty easy to obtain. However, in about a year or so, this visa category will be modified and will probably be more difficult to obtain. With a TN, the nurse cannot immigrate.
In terms of the H-1B visa category, it may be difficult for a foreign nurse to obtain an H-1B visa because this visa category requires a bachelor's degree, and the Department of Labor standard for a nurse is merely a two-year undergraduate degree. However, H-1B status is available for nursing positions such as nurse managers that require a nursing license, plus certification or experience so that the minimum qualifications are equivalent to a bachelor's degree.
Also, certain "specialized" nursing occupations will qualify for H-1B classification, and these are:
1) Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs);
2) Nurse Managers/Supervisory-Level Managers; and
3) Nurses who specialize in critical care, and perioperative.
Immigrant visas are readily obtainable for most RNs. For a RN to be eligible for this visa, the RN must have the following:
1) Passed the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing schools (CGFNS) examination or the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX);
2) Obtain a "visa screen certificate" from the CGFNS; and
3) Obtain a full and unrestricted license in your state.
