VisaScreen Processing Times for Canadian RNs

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Sep 11, 2008

Because this post has nothing to do with Canadian working nurses and everything to do with immigration matters, I'm moving it to the International forum as per the information at the top of the Canadian Nurses forum home page.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Sep 11, 2008

Depending on how quick they received all documentation can take between 2-4 months but usually quicker if from Canada

carltjm3 · Sep 19, 2008

Hi,

I just received confirmation that my VS has been approved. I am educated in the US and submitted my application on July 29 2008. I received it 18th Sept 2008. So, yes, it only took 49 days. I just need to find an employer to petition for me. :yeah:

suzanne4, RN · Sep 19, 2008

This thread is concerning those that trained in Canada, not the US.

Right now, even if you find an employer, there is still no way to work in the US since the retrogression is still in place and will be. Not mentioned where you are from, but if you hold a Canadian passport, then you can qualify for the TN Visa.

carltjm3 · Sep 19, 2008

Thanks Suzanne,

Am from Kenya. Another question too, are nurses exempt from filling a labor certification form 9085. I did it before when I applied for a green card with my LPN and had to fill this form out (I was denied anyway coz i didn't have a VS:banghead:). I am not sure if the employer should. Also should the employer be on E-verify? :rolleyes: Do you know any hospitals that can petition. I am currently in school full time and I dont know how I will get an employer when I cant work full time, and if I do, do I stop school once my petition is submitted and start working?

:crying2:

Silverdragon102, BSN · Sep 19, 2008

Thanks Suzanne,
Am from Kenya. Another question too, are nurses exempt from filling a labor certification form 9085. I did it before when I applied for a green card with my LPN and had to fill this form out (I was denied anyway coz i didn't have a VS:banghead:). I am not sure if the employer should. Also should the employer be on E-verify? Do you know any hospitals that can petition. I am currently in school full time and I dont know how I will get an employer when I cant work full time, and if I do, do I stop school once my petition is submitted and start working?

You are aware that LPN does not meet immigration requirements. Also nurses are affected by retrogression regardless on where they trained so if a international student you are affected the same way as someone living in their own country. There are no visas and currently looking at several years waiting. The only way is to stay as a student and do your RN and wait. You can not adjust your visa and work and doubt that will happen again for a few more years, plus you can only do it if you meet visa requirements and like I said LPN doesn't

suzanne4, RN · Sep 19, 2008

Thanks Suzanne,
Am from Kenya. Another question too, are nurses exempt from filling a labor certification form 9085. I did it before when I applied for a green card with my LPN and had to fill this form out (I was denied anyway coz i didn't have a VS:banghead:). I am not sure if the employer should. Also should the employer be on E-verify? Do you know any hospitals that can petition. I am currently in school full time and I dont know how I will get an employer when I cant work full time, and if I do, do I stop school once my petition is submitted and start working?

It is not possible to get the green card with the LPN license here in the US; this is a very well known fact. You must have at least the RN after your name and pass either the CGFNS exam or the NCLEX-RN exam to be considered for a visa.

There also are no working visas for the LPN license as well that are legal.

Your denial had nothing to do with not having the VSC, but that you did not apply as an RN.

Right now, there are no visas and we do not expect any for several years at the earliest so even if you find an employer, they cannot submit the I-485 for you and therefore you will have to continue as a student if you wish to remain in the US.

Best of luck to you, but be aware that you are looking at close to five years before you will be able to adjust your visa as things stand now. Not sure if you can afford to be a full-time student for all of that time.

carltjm3 · Sep 21, 2008

Thanks again. just to clarigy, I have my RN since Jult 2008.

Shadian725 · Sep 22, 2008

Approximately 3 months to get Visascreen.

-June 16 2008 Applied for Minnesota License

-July 17 2008 Paid an extra 150 to Write NCLEX in CANADA

-July 21 2008 Wrote NCLEX

-July 22 2008 Received Results of Pass via website (Extra fee - of course) Received Minnesota license.

-July 27 2008 Apply to CGFNS (Visa Screen)

-Aug 8 2008 Applied for License to California via endorsement from Minnesota.

-Aug 8 2008 Application to NURSYS/NCSBC for electronic verification of licenses (faster than paper).

-Aug 12 2008 “Livescan” fingerprints, While on a visit in California…(Paper fingerprints take a lot longer – maybe months)

-Sept 14 2008 Received temporary California License in Mail

-Sept 18 2008 Received email from CGFNS (VisaScreen) wanting verification of my address (I hope this means they are mailing my successful VisaScreen) (logged into their website to see that they now finally received the last document of many needed – and all have been reviewed and are adequate – This is a nifty service they have)

In and amongst all of the above is Mailing (more often couriering – as it is faster: but more expensive) Verifications of licenses from various Boards and transcripts etc.

If Visa-screen comes in the mail this week, it will be just a little over 3 months from beginning of very first application for Licensure. Every single form any party wanted was provided ASAP and thorough and complete.

I would like to add that this website was instrumental in providing me with tips on how to go about all this paper work/application. A big THANK YOU :)

I also consulted with a Nurse Recruitment Company and Travel Nurse Company – neither of which I have signed with but both were nice enough to give advice on how to go about the process.

Well – I have been speaking with a few hospitals / HR, and will continue to do so.

The one major obstacle I have now is: regarding moving to US.

Specifically “Automobile”

Not sure if it is easier to transfer my vehicle information (reg / insurance) Down in Cali, Or to just sell my vehicle in Canada and buy an American vehicle when I get down there. Ive heard there is a tonne of paper work involved when owning a foreign vehicle in the US. I know I need to sell this vehicle anyways, it is a V8 4X4, an endangered species in today’s world of gas prices.

CanNurse06 · Oct 3, 2008

Hi Shadian725,

Thank you so much for your post. I requested all my transcripts, ON license etc., back at the beginning of August, and all the CGFNS website is showing as received is my MI license and NCLEX. I know that the requests have been received and processed by the schools and CNO (credit card bill), but can't understand why they are taking so long to get there. Have you received the VisaScreen certificate yet?

About importing a vehicle, check out the US Gov Customs website. I believe that you have to a) show proof that the vehicle meets EPA standards i.e. sticker on the engine and b) meets DOT specifications. You can get a letter from the US manufacturer of your vehicle stating that the car meets these requirements. I also believe, but don't quote me on this, that you can import the car duty-free to the US, as long as you do not sell it within 1 year. Check all this out with another source to be sure - I've read so many documents online lately.

Thanks again for your information re: visascreen processing times. It's encouraging that I'm not the only one wading through the paperwork!!!

CanNurse

mimi2016, ADN, BSN · Oct 3, 2008

Hello!

I applied fo rmy visa screen at the begining of august, I called yesterday and they mail it to me on September 23rd. It's usually pretty fast for canadians I think.