H1b Visa for nurses under FY 2010

GeoffM · May 6, 2010

I don't think H1B applications should affect US graduates as the former are experienced; the latter not so. So if a hospital needs an experienced, degree-level ICU (for example) nurse, then the grads aren't going to get a look-in anyway.

It's clear that many hospitals are still recruiting - either that or the job listings are falsified. Just not many jobs these days, and too many people applying for them.

Of those 130+ LCs, there is no way I know of whether those people actually got jobs. However, I'd find it hard to believe that the sponsor (ie the potential employer) would go through the expense and time of getting LC for somebody and then not give them a job. I also suspect that MedPro and CGS will only take on applicants with a very good chance of success to begin with - how many applications have they rejected themselves, before even starting the visa application process? Therefore their success rate of the cases they take on is probably quite high.

jlb1080, LPN, LVN · May 26, 2010

are you referring to EGmp???

did you decided to go on with the offer of EGMP?...they also offered me the same option as yours....

anybody can answer my question, is there by any chance that you maybe denied in this type of visa if you have a pending immigrant application?...need some advice....

nursepacific · May 26, 2010

did you decided to go on with the offer of EGMP?...they also offered me the same option as yours....
anybody can answer my question, is there by any chance that you maybe denied in this type of visa if you have a pending immigrant application?...need some advice....

You won't be denied the visa due to a pending immigrant visa, but you may be breaking a contract. Many nurses are currently in Canada or other countries trying to wait out retrogression.

dindinbay · May 30, 2010

Hi everyone..i checked in the USCIS website and i got an approved I-129 petition or H1B visa petition. I am currently waiting for other docs to arrive from my employer from there i'll be scheduling myself for visa stamping interview. I really thought i won't get approved because i got an RFE. God is so good! He answered my prayer and hoping that the visa stamping interview will run so smoothly. No hard questions: Working visa for nurses doesn't need to have a Visa Screen Cert only those who are applying for I-140 or immigrant visa petition. However, you still need it when you like to change your status from H1B to green card.

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 30, 2010

hi everyone..i checked in the uscis website and i got an approved i-129 petition or h1b visa petition. i am currently waiting for other docs to arrive from my employer from there i'll be scheduling myself for visa stamping interview. i really thought i won't get approved because i got an rfe. god is so good! he answered my prayer and hoping that the visa stamping interview will run so smoothly. no hard questions : working visa for nurses doesn't need to have a visa screen cert only those who are applying for i-140 or immigrant visa petition. however, you still need it when you like to change your status from h1b to green card.

i find that vsc is not required for h1b hard as vsc is required for both immigrant or work visa and is stated accordingly on cgfns website

the u.s. citizenship and immigration services (uscis), under section 343 of the illegal immigration reform and immigrant responsibility act of 1996, requires the following health care professionals who are educated outside the united states and who are seeking temporary or permanent occupational visas or trade nafta (tn) status:

cgfns international

if you haven't got it you may find that it is required for your interview and your visa may be delayed if not submitted

dindinbay · May 30, 2010

tnx silverdragon.. yup im preparing myself now to get my VSC. Im kinda nervous if they'll ask it during the interview and got nothing to present..better ready for anything and everything. Thank you so much.

RetroPinoy · May 30, 2010

i'm not sure what's going to happen on your visa interview when they ask you for your VSC and you've got nothing to present them, Hope it won't lead to another set of delays.

dindinbay · May 30, 2010

@ retropinoy: yup im into it already. I'm communicating with the CGFNS-ICHP for the issuing of my VSC. Besides im still waiting for the important docs to arrive. Thank you.

allnurses Guide · May 31, 2010

working visa for nurses doesn't need to have a visa screen cert only those who are applying for i-140 or immigrant visa petition. however, you still need it when you like to change your status from h1b to green card.

that is absolutely not correct. anyone applying to work in the us in a healthcare or allied health profession, who is not applying based on family-based immigration, requires the vsc. this is clearly required by anyone applying for "temporary or permanent occupational visas"

ro67sif · May 31, 2010

For gillbert (your last reply here)

While I know that this is the official requirement, I also know somebody who got a H1B visa last year (June or July 2009) without a VSC. This person didn' t have a specialty or experience. Still, s/he got a 2 year-valid visa and is now working in the US. I believe that this person is not the only exception to the rule. I think it is more about being lucky...or taking the risk...or having the right information in the right moment/place, knowing the right person...etc.

Meanwhile...I am a VSC holder, with a RN License (issued) and over 10 years ER experience and no luck in finding an employer to sponsor me...hehehe.

So...there are the rules, but also there are many exceptions to them.

Good luck to everybody.

dindinbay · May 31, 2010

@ghillbert: cool... there's no absolute answer to all of this.. got an approved visa petition without vsc. however, i will secure one to easily change my status from h1b to green card.

@ro67sif: you are right.. it's just a matter of luck. my friend who went with a h1b visa valid for 3yrs got no specialty but she's in texas now. she thought the consul will ask her for a vsc, pay stub or whatsoever during visa stamping but luckily only the original notice of action (noa), i797 were asked.

just be ready for anything and everything before its too late. mahirap ng ma "put on hold" yong status jz because of one simple requirement.

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 31, 2010

It is not as easy as you think to change status from H1b to GC, you will still be affected by retrogression and you need to convince your employer to petition you for a GC and not all will.