International nurses who dream of working in the United States can benefit from understanding the immigration process that leads to securing a Green Card – even if you’re working with a nurse recruitment agency, like Conexus MedStaff, that will handle all immigration details for you. In this article, you’ll find information about United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Green Card process.
What is a Green Card for nurses?
A Green Card allows non-U.S. citizens to live and work permanently in the United States. It grants permanent resident status, which opens the door to better career opportunities and benefits.
Nurses are considered a crucial occupation in America due to the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals. The USCIS Green Card for nurses enables qualified international nurses to fill critical nursing jobs in the U.S.
What is USCIS?
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the U.S. government agency responsible for overseeing lawful immigration to the United States. It handles processes related to obtaining Green Cards, citizenship, work visas, and other immigration services.
For international nurses, USCIS is the agency that processes Green Card applications and approves petitions such as the EB-3 visa for skilled workers, ensuring that applicants meet all requirements.
The EB-3 visa for nurses
The Green Card that Conexus secures for nurses is an EB-3 visa. This is an Employment-Based (EB) visa that is for skilled workers, professionals, and other workers.
The process of applying for an EB-3 visa starts with filing an I-140 petition, which Conexus submits on behalf of our nurses. It’s important to get this step completed quickly after signing an Employment Agreement with Conexus, so that a Priority Date can be captured as early as possible.
Learn more about Priority Dates and why they’re important.
Requirements for the EB-3 visa
Educational and licensing requirements: You must have a nursing degree and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to qualify.
English proficiency: Since you will be working in an English-speaking hospital environment, it is essential to have a strong grasp of the language to ensure effective communication. The EB-3 requires you to pass a language proficiency test, which is something Conexus can help with.
VisaScreen Certification: This credentialing process ensures that foreign-trained nurses meet the U.S. requirements for healthcare professionals. It includes verification of your education, licensure, and English language proficiency.
Benefits of the Green Card for international nurses
Path to citizenship: As a Green Card holder, you may apply for U.S. citizenship after a few years of residency.
Family inclusion: Green Cards allow your spouse and children to accompany you to the U.S. and seek their own work or educational opportunities.
Challenges and considerations for EB-3 visas
The Green Card process can be lengthy and is dependent on the availability of visas in the EB-3 category.
Working with the best nursing agency for your needs can help make the process smoother. These agencies – like Conexus – specialize in international nurse recruitment and assist with the paperwork, licensure requirements, and interview preparation. We also provide support during your immigration journey to help prepare you for your future in the USA.
Factors such as retrogression can slow down the EB-3 visa timeline.
Learn more about the U.S. immigration process, including details on retrogression.
Additional immigration options for nurses
While the EB-3 visa is a popular choice, some nurses may explore other immigration options for nurses, such as temporary work visas like the H-1B (for specialized roles) or the TN visa (for Canadian and Mexican citizens under NAFTA).
Some states also offer programs for healthcare professionals willing to work in underserved areas, which may expedite the green card process.
Conexus works with international nurses from around the world to help them secure a Green Card, an exciting new career and life in the United States.
To find out how we can make your version of the American dream come true, apply today.
