[suzanne4]

The only way that a facility can get that visa use is if they are unable to attract enough American nurses and there it becomes a safety issue. If they cannot get nurses and they are in CA, then there are many other issues with that facility.

But remember, they still do not have unlimited visas available and the h1-C is set to expire in 2010. And if the facility is in CA, then they are not unionized and there are again more issues with that as well. Unions in CA do not permit any temporary visas like this.

[Promin]

Originally Posted by befree

OT: I can't believe Beverly Hospital is on the list too. Could it be because of safety or staffing issues? Well, just out of curiousity. Since I have been frequenting that area A LOT lately.

Although Beverly Hospital is on the list, they don't sponsor nurses for H-1C.
H-1C program expires on Dec. 21, 2009.

[Proverbs 16:3]

I think you should consider what Suanne4 said. I've heard the pay rate in illinois kinda sux. Plus, you may want to consider the nurse to pt ratio in addition to the crime rate. I used to live in Minnesota and i know chicago gets lots of snow in the winter. If you're in for snow storms then yea for you.

Originally Posted by suzanne4

I am not aware of them offering the H1-C visa at this time. And for any facilities that would be in the US and in a big town like that, it means that they cannot staff with enough American's because of the location and crime rate. You need to seriously take that into consideration as well as the fact that the H1-C visas are set to expire in 2010 and we do not expect them to be renewed.

They have never been on the list of the 15 that I am aware of, I would check your sources again.

[suzanne4]

And to add to what is posted above, just because a facility is on that list, it does not mean that they are currently accepting anyone. H1-C visas are limited to a total of 500 for the entire US, and again, they are going to be expired in about 18 months. Makes no sense to even consider them as we do not expect visas to be available for the AOS at that time and one will be required to leave the US then.

[ulyza]

So you mean all H1c petitioned nurses should go back to their home country before the day it expires.I understand that...but why it is not expected to be renewed again?

[ulyza]

"The Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999 and its reauthorization in December of 2006 allows qualifying hospitals to employ temporary foreign workers (nonimmigrants) as Registered Nurses (RNs) for up to three years under H-1C visas. Only 500 H-1C visas can be issued each year during the three year period of the H-1C program (2006-2009). The sponsoring employer must pay a filing fee of $250 for each Attestation for certification filed with the Department of Labor (DOL)."

got this from the website of DOL I've posted before..So it was made year 1999 and took a long year before it was renewed again. Since the reauthorized 2006 expires on 2009 there is still a chance it'll be renewed?but I hope it won't take a million years!!

Also i hope and i pray retrogression be lifted!In God's time maybe..

[Promin]

It's not about 500 limit. I think it's related to the fact that unionized hospitals don't sponsor temporary work visas.
Even if the program will be renewed, nurse can not stay beyond 3 year limit on this kind of visa.

[suzanne4]

There are only 500 visas total under that classification and just because a facility is on that list, it does not even mean that they have any openings at this time or can sponsor under that visa.

Hospitals are getting stronger unions and those with them, do not permit temporary employees under this type of visa for one. And we are not expecting the government to renew it, the number of them available has also gone down thru the years, not increased.

And if there are no visas to adjust to when this one expires, or should say before it expires, then those nurses need to leave the US or they will be considered overstaying their visas and subject to being deported.

It is again your choice as to what to do, but everyone here has told you reasons against it. Go ahead and do as you please, but any issues, you are going to deal with them and there is no one here that will be able to help you.

This is something that you need to decide what to do with, but have you even contacted the facility to see if they are truly sponsoring at this time?

[suzanne4]

It is not 500 visas per year, but 500 total under that classification for the US, something that many are not even aware of.

[ulyza]

Just started this topic for the benefit of those who have questions(like me before) in mind about H1C visa as well as working in St. Bernard Hospital.

Before anybody work in a specific area/hospital a thorough investigation,research and asking for others opinion should me made. It's having an idea what to expect and like what I said before,prepare a nurse especially a foreign nurse physically,emotionally,spiritually and emotionally - financial -yes..

Therefore,opinions of others should ever be taken personally. Lots of information coming (negative or positive) is better than having no feedbacks at all.

That's why to all!

___________________________________

Knowledge is power.