The work visas for the nurses in the United States involves a separate criteria altogether. According to the Immigration and Nationality Act, DOL regulations along with the USCIS policies specify provisions only for the permanent residents. With the exemption for those belonging to Canada and Mexico, others have to prove that they are eligible for the same.

Nursing is not considered as a professional occupation by the USCIS. The H-1A temporary visa would only be offered to a nurse if he/she has been certified by the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). Also, they have to clear the test conducted by the English Testing Service (ETS). Another option is to appear for the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) test.

The permitted visas for this profession include the Green Card, TN visa, H1 – B visa and H1 – C visa. This depends on the position held by the individual. The skills including the educational qualifications as well as the work experience of the individual are also counted.

In addition, it also depends upon the type of the employer or the organization the nurse is serving. Also included are the personal goals of the individual, reasons to immigrate and so on.

Since, it is one of those professions which have a level of restriction on the number of candidates; one has to carefully decide on the type of visa to be applied for. It is best recommended to contact an immigration and visa specialist who would guide you through the same.