Nurse Immigration (Schedule A)
The Direct Path to a U.S. Green Card for RNs
Registered Nurses (RNs) have a unique advantage in U.S. immigration. The Department of Labor has designated nursing as a Schedule A, Group I shortage occupation. This means RNs can bypass the lengthy PERM Labor Certification process and file directly for a Green Card (I-140).
✅ No PERM Required
Employers do not need to advertise the job or prove there are no U.S. workers. This saves 12+ months.
✅ Direct Green Card
Unlike H-1B visas (which are difficult for RNs to get), this path leads directly to Permanent Residence.
✅ Family Included
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 receive Green Cards automatically with you.
1. Eligibility Requirements
- 1. Nursing Education
You must have a diploma, Associate Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing from your home country.
- 2. Active License
You must hold a valid, unrestricted license in the country where you studied.
- 3. NCLEX-RN Exam
Passing the NCLEX is non-negotiable. You generally must pass this exam before a U.S. employer will sponsor you.
- 4. Job Offer (Sponsor)
A U.S. hospital, staffing agency, or nursing home must offer you a full-time, permanent position.
The “VisaScreen” Requirement
Before you can enter the U.S. or adjust status, you must obtain a VisaScreen Certificate issued by CGFNS. This verifies:
- Your education is comparable to U.S. standards.
- Your license is valid and unencumbered.
- English Proficiency: You must pass IELTS (Band 6.5 overall, 7.0 speaking) or TOEFL. *Exempt if educated in UK, Canada, Australia, etc.
⚠️ Why Not H-1B?
Most RN jobs do not qualify for H-1B visas.
USCIS argues that a standard RN job does not require a Bachelor’s degree (since Associates can do it). H-1B is usually only available for specialized roles like Nurse Practitioners (APRN) or Nurse Managers.
2. Step-by-Step Immigration Process
1
Pass NCLEX & English Exams
You cannot be sponsored without these credentials.
2
Employer Files Form I-140
The hospital files the petition with USCIS.
Fee: $715 (Base) + $300/$600 (Asylum Fee).
Premium Processing: Available ($2,805) for a decision in 15 days.
3
Wait for Visa Bulletin (Priority Date)
Even with I-140 approval, you must wait for your Priority Date to be “Current” under the EB-3 Category. Backlogs (Retrogression) are common.
4
Consular Processing or Adjustment
Outside US: Interview at U.S. Embassy (DS-260).
Inside US: File Adjustment of Status (I-485).
*You must present your VisaScreen Certificate at this stage.
Are You an RN or Employer?
Wang Law PLLC represents over 100 hospitals and healthcare providers.