[lawrence01]

Skilled Workers May See Green-Card Surge

Problems with the green-card program have prompted informal discussions in Congress about a law to offer more visas to highly skilled applicants

by Peter Elstrom


Congressional leaders have begun to discuss legislation that would sharply increase the number of high-skilled foreign workers who could become permanent U. S. residents in the next few years. While it's sure to be controversial, the measure, if it passes, could mean more than 100,000 additional green cards would become available for skilled workers, perhaps even doubling the 140,000 that are allotted each year. "There are some discussions going on informally," says Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), who chairs the House subcommittee on immigration.


*Click here to read full article.

Addendum: This is for general EB categories and non-specific to nurses

[fruity]

This is good news! Hope it pushes through...

[suzanne4]

Another caveat to this: Highly skilled usually means significant work experience in that area. Not necessarily a new grad without any experience. If you do not have experience then you are not highly skilled even with a BSN.

And because something is being discussed, it does not happen automatically and immediately. Best thing for nurses is still to have Schedule A return and we have no idea of when that will happen. So do not make any plans based on this. It will be sometime before anything will happen, if it does.

[suzanne4]

And please no one bash me for what I stated above. Just being honest the same way that I always have. Highly skilled in any field does not equate with a new grad in nursing. Just is not the same.

[mutya]

Originally Posted by suzanne4

Another caveat to this: Highly skilled usually means significant work experience in that area. Not necessarily a new grad without any experience. If you do not have experience then you are not highly skilled even with a BSN.

And because something is being discussed, it does not happen automatically and immediately. Best thing for nurses is still to have Schedule A return and we have no idea of when that will happen. So do not make any plans based on this. It will be sometime before anything will happen, if it does.

Agreed 100%. Rasing the GC qouta will not make much different. There is still the country limit that is being considered. Much more that Nurses fall under EB3, means we have to compete with engineers and others. The only thing that can help us is if they return Schedule A in that scenario we will be competing only with Nurses from other countries and not with other courses..

[RGN1]

Yup, it's a return to schedule "A" we really need.

Although does my 11 years experience mean I'm counted as highly skilled?? I'm desperate enough to cheer for that if it does!!

[mutya]

Originally Posted by RGN1

Yup, it's a return to schedule "A" we really need.

Although does my 11 years experience mean I'm counted as highly skilled?? I'm desperate enough to cheer for that if it does!!

They introduce an amendment last night and it failed. At least someone is taking notice of nurses..


U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 110th Congress - 1st Session

as compiled through Senate LIS by the Senate Bill Clerk under the direction of the Secretary of the Senate

Vote Summary

Question: On the Motion (Motion to Waive Cornyn Amdt No. 2339 ) Vote Number: 266Vote Date: July 19, 2007, 11:00 PMRequired For Majority: 3/5Vote Result: Motion RejectedAmendment Number: S.Amdt. 2339 to S.Amdt. 2327 to H.R. 2669 (College Cost Reduction Act of 2007 ) Statement of Purpose: To provide interim relief for shortages in employment-based visas for aliens with extraordinary ability and advanced degrees and for nurses.Vote Counts:YEAs55NAYs40Not Voting5

[RGN1]

So that's it then?? No more schedule "A"??

Anyone want to buy a house in Florida? Because right now Canada?Australia or New Zealand is looking a way better bet - at least they're not playing these games with people's lives!!

[suzanne4]

There has not been any Schedule A since the February Visa Bulletin was released. That is the issue.

But yes, you would be considered highly skilled.

[reeyah]

What if our visa application is already currently being processed, will they deny the visa beacuse we don't have much hospital experience?

I really think they should set aside a separate category for Visas to RN's and RPT's. I understand, US hospitals don't require actual hospital experiences anyway. From what I heard, all foreign nurses are considered fresh grads when they step on US.

Only applicants from other professions (engineers, CPA's,etc.)should have more work experience, not nurses. Doesn't really count anyway.

Just my 2 cents.