As a result of the current scarcity, U.S. hospitals and medical employers are forced to seek nursing professionals from abroad. This gives foreigners the opportunity to enter the United States with a well-paid career waiting for them. However, to be able to enter, work, and live legally in the United States, the foreigner must abide by U.S. Immigration laws and procedures. Anyone who enters the United States illegally, with the wrong visa, or overstays the period allowed on the visa, is subject to deportation from this country. Once the person is deported, the person is not able to return to the United States to live, study, visit, or work for 10 years. Even after the 10 years, it is very likely that the person will not be allowed a return to this country. Immigration penalties in the United States are extremely strict. This is why it is so absolutely important to begin your journey of migrating to the United States correctly and follow all requirements set out by United States immigration laws.
According to the Immigration laws of the United States, a foreign nurse is eligible to become a staff nurse, a nurse who provides nursing care directly to patients, once he/she satisfies the three pre-requirements. The three pre-requirements are as follows:
1. The alien must have obtained a full and unrestricted license to practice nursing in the country where the alien obtained nursing education or have received nursing education in the United States. An evaluation of credentials is conducted to determine the equivalency of the alien’s educational background.
2. The alien must have passed the examination given by the Commission on Graduation for Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or have obtained a full and unrestricted (permanent) license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of intended employment, or have obtained a full and unrestricted (permanent) license in any state or territory of the US and received temporary authorization to practice as a registered nurse in the State of intended employment, and
3. Be 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 practice as a registered nurse immediately upon admission to the US and be authorized under such laws to be employed by the employer. The temporary or interim licensing may be obtained immediately after the alien enters the U.S. and registers to take the first available examination for the permanent license.
Do keep in mind that there are other employment visa options for individuals that do not satisfy the above requirements. These employment visas allow the individual to enter and work legally in this country and may even result in lawful permanent residency (Green Card) for the foreigner.
About the Author:
Attorney Sonia M. Muñoz is the President of Immigration Legal Council, LLC. (ILC), a South Florida-based law firm, handling cases in all 50 states. The firm is very active in protecting the rights of Immigrants and in assisting foreign professionals to legally enter and work in the United States. You can find more information about ILC and different methods of entry into the US on their website at www.ilclawfirm.com, or by calling
1-866-482-VISA(
