Visa Options for Foreign Nurses

The occupation of Nursing presents very difficult obstacles for immigration to the U.S. Although many nurses go on to obtain a Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN), the INS position is that a BSN is not a requirement. Therefore, the INS will not grant an H-1B visa for an alien to work in the U.S. as a nurse. Without the benefit of an H-1B Visa, there is practically no way a foreign nurse can work on a temporary basis in the U.S.

The only real way for nurses to immigrate to the U.S. is to have an employer sponsor them directly for permanent residence. The INS will only grant permanent residence if the nurse has obtained a Visa Screen certificate from the International Commission on Healthcare Professions.

ICHP will require that the Nurse have passed the CGFNS and the TSE exams.

For further information on how to qualify for visa screen contact ICHP at www.ichp.org or call 215-349-6735.