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Registered Nurse Work Visa General Information: The Registered Nurse Work
Visa classification has changed several times in the last 20 years. The H-1A
Visa classification was enabled through the Nursing Relief Act of 1989 but was
later terminated on September 1, 1995. Then in 1999, the United States
experienced a shortage of nurses and created the H-1C Nurse Visa Classification.
The H-1C Nurse Work Visa program was authorized by the United States Congress
through the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Area Act of 1999. However, the H-1C
Visa classification expired on June 13, 2005. There is currently no specific
nurse visa available in the United States. However, there are two ways that
foreign individuals wishing to work as registered nurses in the United States
can apply:
- H-1B Work Visa for Skilled Workers
- TN NAFTA Work Visa (only available to Canadian and Mexican citizens)
H-1B Visa Eligibility Requirements: In order for the petitioning employer
to hire a foreign RN (registered nurse), the registered nurse must qualify for a
specialty occupation. Although general RNs will not typically be eligible for
H-1B Visa status, certain specialized nursing occupations are likely to require
a bachelor’s or higher degree as the minimum requirement for entry into that
specialized field. Consequently, those positions have a great chance of
satisfying the H-1B Visa requirements. Other requirements may be a state license
to practice the occupation, completion of degree, experience and expertise.
TN Visa Eligibility Requirements: Registered nurses are also on the list
of approved NAFTA professions. Note that a TN Visa is only available to citizens
of Canada or Mexico, while the H1B Visa classification is open for other
nationals.
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