Login

H-1C Nurses

H-1C Non-immigrant US Visas For Foreign Registered Nurses (RNs) 

The H-1C visa allows an alien to temporarily come to the U.S. to perform services as a registered nurse in a health professional shortage area.  The petition may be filed by a hospital facility that has filed an attestation with the Department of Labor.  The maximum period for admission for the H-1C is three years; however, an extension of stay may be filed.  Also, a H-1C alien is not precluded from applying for adjustment of status. 

Evidence to be submitted:

  • A copy of the Department of Labor’s acceptance of the filing of an attestation.
  • A statement from the facility of any limitations that the state places on the alien’s services in the intended place of employment.
  • Evidence that the alien is or will be authorized by a State Board of Nursing to engage in registered nurse practice.
  • Evidence that the alien has passed the examination given by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, or has obtained a full and unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse in the state of intended employment, or has obtained a full and unrestricted license in any state of the U.S. and has received temporary authorization to practice as a registered nurse in the state of intended employment.
  • Evidence that the alien has obtained a full and unrestricted license to practice professional nursing in the country where the alien obtained nursing education, or has received nursing education in the U.S.
  • Evidence that the alien is fully qualified and eligible under the laws of the intended place of employment to practice as a registered nurse upon admission into the U.S. and is authorized under such laws to be employed by the employer.

A work authorization for H-1C nurses is employer-specific.  A change of employment requires a new petition and new employment cannot begin until the new petition is approved.  Aliens who wish to practice as registered nurses must also obtain certification that verifies that their education, training, licensing, experience, and English competency are comparable to American health care workers.

USCIS reauthorizes H-1C visa Program under Nursing Relief Act

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Nurses

 

Disclaimer: The materials in Asonye & Associates web site have been prepared to permit visitors to our web site to learn more about the services we offer. These materials do not, and are not intended to, constitute legal advice. Neither transmission nor receipt of such materials will create an attorney-client relationship between the sender and receiver. Internet subscribers and online readers are advised not to take or refrain from taking any action based upon materials in this web site without consulting legal counsel. We do not undertake to update any materials in our Web Site to reflect subsequent legal or other developments.