1. I am a nurse. Will I be able to work in the United States?

U.S. Immigration Law generally allows only those nurses who are classified as "registered nurses" to work in the US. Licensed vocational nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurses aids, etc. won’t be able to work in the United States as there are no visa classifications available to them.

2. I am from Canada. Can I get a visa to work in the United States?

The United States has a special arrangement with Canada and Mexico, which allows for registered nurses from those two countries to work in the United States under a "TN" visa. In order to qualify for this visa, you must have three things:

a.       An offer of employment in the United States to work as a registered nurse;

b.       Be licensed in Canada (or Mexico); and  

c.       Have a Texas Nursing License.

3. Can I work in the United States if I am not from Canada or Mexico?

There are only two other potential non-immigrant visas, which will allow registered nurses to work in the United States:

a. H-1B Temporary Professional: This visa is not available to most RNs. It is only available to those who will be taking positions, which require a four-year degree. The Immigration Service has determined that most nursing positions require an actual four-year degree, since most nurses can become registered nurses with only a two-year associate’s degree. However, such occupations as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Supervisors, Nurse Trainers, and other related occupations have been found to require four-year degrees. Therefore, persons coming to fill such positions can potentially be classified as H-1B temporary professionals.

b. H-1C, Nurses in medically under-served areas: Which allows for 500 nurses to enter the United States in designated shortage geographic areas at hospitals which have a minimum of 190 acute-care beds. This program is extremely limited and only about a dozen hospitals have qualified to hire nurses in the H-1C category.

4. None of those classifications work for me, is there another way to work in the United States?

Yes, the simplest way to work in the United States is to apply for permanent residence. Unfortunately, this process takes at least a year before a person can receive approval and immigrate to the United States. However, visas for nurses tend to be facilitated.

5. How can I immigrate as a nurse to the United States?

You have to have arranged employment; that is, some hospital or healthcare firm that is willing to offer you a job as an RN. Second, that employer must understand that they will have to wait at least a year before they will be able to obtain your services. Simply starting the process does not qualify you to work in the United States. Therefore, most nurses must wait outside the United States until the immigrant processing has been completed. Most employers do not want to wait a year before they can hire a RN. However, many hospitals and facilities, recognize they will still have a need for nurses at least a year from now and are willing to begin the process for permanent residence for qualified RNs.

6. What are the academic or licensure requirements to immigrate to the United States?

In order to immigrate to the United States, the immigrant must be a registered nurse in the country where they obtained their nursing education, must have passed the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or hold a full and unrestricted license to practice professional nursing in the state of intended employment.

7. Will any nursing position qualify?

No, the position must be full-time and has to fit one of the Department of Labor’s listed nursing occupations. The good news, however, is that most registered nursing positions, including General Duty Nurses, Nurse Instructors, Nurse Practitioners, and School Nurses, will qualify.

8. How do I begin the permanent residence process?

First, you must find an employer who is willing to go through the permanent residence process. Second, a complete set of papers and documentation must be assembled and submitted to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. This can be confusing, but there are a number of qualified firms, and immigration lawyers who can assist you. Manthra can help process your visa and obtain your license.

9. What can I do to speed up the process?

Yes, it can be a complicated process, but rest assured that once your application and screening tests have been reviewed, our specialists will know how to take care of you.  Some of the things you can do that will speed up the procedure are:

1. Take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).  (Not necessary for applicants in all cases.)

2. Know who can mail your educational transcripts to the approving authorities in the US.  (We will guide you through this process.)

3. Know where you have to go in order to have certified verification of your licensure credentials sent to the US.

4. Keep in close contact with our sponsorship team.

10. Who will pay for all of the testing and application fees?

You may be asked to pay for some of these fees, but you will be reimbursed for all fees once you arrive.

11. Who will pay for my transportation costs?

If you desire, Manthra can pay for all of your transportation costs.

12. Where will I live when I arrive?

Manthra maintains a partnership with a large and reliable commercial investment firm. We will ensure that you live in a comfortable apartment, which is located in an area that meets the needs of you and your family.  There will be no up front costs for your housing.

13. How much money will I need to take with me?

You should bring enough money to cover basic food and housekeeping essentials, taxis, restaurants and emergencies until your first payday.  We recommend that you obtain travelers checks in U.S. Currency, as it can be inconvenient to convert your money upon arrival.

14. What help will I have after I arrive?

Your sponsors will be available to help you settle in and can assist in setting up such things as bank accounts, applicable benefits, phone service and school registration.