Immigration Petition for Nurses

Professional Registered Nurses:

We can start your case if you have obtained a USA RN license OR a CGFNS Certificate and a job offer. At the time of this writing, It takes about 60 days for the USCIS to process an Immigrant Petition application and approve it. It takes an additional 20 days if filed with a short duration work permit request. (Note that it will take additionally 3 to 6 months if you are not in the United States). A one-year work permit (EAD) will be issued while they complete the processing for the green card, meaning that you will go to the green card interview. If you need information for your SS#, or ITIN# call us.

Make sure that the employer knows that all they have to do is to sign an offer of employment form, and employ you when you obtain a Legal Work Permit and a Social Security number. Of course all the fees have to be paid. Nurses are not required to obtain a Labor Certification.

Do you need a sponsor/employer? Fax us your resume right now!

In order to start your case we will need:

• A copy of your Registered Nurse License,
• A resume,
• A Nursing School diploma and transcripts,
• Previous employment letters,
• Social security card, drivers license, passport all pages with writing, I-94 both sides, all previous INS filings, Mailing address, phone and fax number, Birth certificate,
• The employer’s business card with Federal tax Identification number, and the name and job title of the person signing for employer,
• Your job description, salary,
• If you have a spouse and children under 21, tell us now, so that they can get their Green Card with you.

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN Registered Nurses

Visa Screening:
As of September 22, 2004, the visa screening certification is required prior to filing an application for adjustment of status, I-485.
All Registered Nurses WILL need a CGFNS certification to renew or change status after July 26, 2004 (including TN’s).

Health Care Worker Certification information:
How Do I Apply for Health Care Worker Certification?

SS# and RN License:
As of 12/20/2002, the USCIS will accept a certified copy of a letter from the state of intended employment confirming that the Alien has passed the NCLEX-RN examination, and is eligible to receive a nursing license in order to practice in that state. You do not have to have a Social Security number to start your Green Card application with the USCIS.
ITIN number may be required for RN license.

See a list of acceptable IRS (W-7) agents
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96304,00.html

VISITOR VISA EXTENSION
The USCIS requires you to prove, that you are in legal status. A six month extension is no longer automatic. But as soon as we file your case, you will not need an extension of your tourist visa, if that is your case.

IMPORTANT INTERNET WEB SITES about Registered Nurses:

CGFNS Certification program:
http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/index.html

Go to --> Programs (on the bottom), then select Certification Program (on the right)

CGFNS Certification Program Handbook & Application:
Certification Program Handbook
http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/downloads/CP%20Handbook.pdf

Certification Program Applications Packet
Download application: http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/downloads/CP%20Application%20Packet.pdf

The following states require that foreign nurses pass the CGFNS examination before taking the state RN licensing (NCLEX) examination: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. Not required in California & Florida.
(Check with your State Board of Nursing for their current requirements)
Download --> http://www.ncsbn.org/public/regulation/boards_of_nursing_board.htm

CGFNS Exam Dates & Locations:
http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/index.html

Go to Programs (on the bottom), then select Exam Dates & Locations (on the right

Visa Screen Application:
(Required for all health care workers now with adjustment of status application I-485) (Required abroad for the Immigrant Visa)(Call for updates on new CIS Visa Screen requirements).
http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/index.html

Go to Programs (at the bottom), then select Visa Screen (on the right)
Select On-Line Applications (on the right), then select Visa Screen Application Packet

Download-->
http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/downloads/VisaScreen%20Application.pdf

TOEFL Testing:
On line testing programs & test preparation
Graduates of health professional programs in Australia, Canada (except Quebec), Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA may be deemed to have met the English language requirements.