Foreign Nurse Employment Frequently Asked Questions
- Does UMHS Nursing sponsor foreign nurses for H1-B visas or green cards?
- What is the process for foreign nurses to become employed in Michigan?
- Can foreign nurses who have been issued a license in another state have their licenses automatically endorsed in Michigan?
- What is a TN non-immigrant visa?
- What is a Visa Screen Certificate?
- What are Michigan’s licensure requirements if I received my nursing education in a country other than Canada?
- Do I need a Visa Screen Certificate if I am a Canadian citizen and work in the US?
- What is an H-1B visa?
- What employment options do student nurses with an F-1 visa have?
- Does the International Center on campus process green card applications?
1) No. At this time we do not routinely sponsor foreign nurses for entry level employment, either monetarily for legal fees or in providing paperwork necessary for an H1-B visa petition or a green card.
2) Foreign nurses educated outside of Canada or Mexico need to take the CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) and NCLEX tests to obtain a Michigan nursing license. They also need a Visa Screen Certificate, as required by US Immigration Law. It can take several months to obtain this certificate. The certificate is valid for five years.
3) Yes, if they have maintained an active license with no disciplinary sanctions for at least five years immediately preceding the application for a Michigan license, by endorsement. An application can be requested from the State of Michigan.
4) A TN non-immigrant visa refers to the Trade NAFTA occupational visa issued temporarily for one year to Canadian citizens and Mexican nationals.
- The following conditions apply for Canadian citizens:The TN visa can be renewed annually an indefinite number of times in one-year increments, as long as the nurse’s intention is to remain in the U.S. temporarily. Canadian graduate nurses and licensed nurses can request admission as a TN non-immigrant at a U.S. Port of Entry after first applying for a Visa Screen Certificate. A letter of intent to employ a Canadian nurse is a necessary prerequisite before a Visa Screen Certificate is issued. The letter should include the job title, a description of proposed duties, salary information and a statement that employment is temporary and the employee has the necessary credentials or license. There also is a fee of ~ $50.
- The following conditions apply to Mexican nationals: TN visas are limited to one year. Mexican nationals must apply for a TN visa at a U.S. consulate in Mexico, not at the border.
5) U.S. immigration law requires foreign nurses and other health care professionals to complete a screening program prior to receiving an occupational visa. The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools offers this federal screening program, and the International Commission on Healthcare Professions administers the Visa Screen.
Screening includes an assessment of the nurse’s education as demonstrated by earning a CGFNS certificate or passing the NCLEX. This ensures that the nurse’s education is comparable to that of a U.S. graduate. In addition, screening evaluates licensure validation and English language proficiency, if applicable.
After successful screening, the nurse is issued a Visa Screen Certificate which can be presented at a border port of entry (Canadian citizens) or the U.S. consulate as part of a visa application. The cost is ~ $400.
6)Michigan requires foreign nurses educated abroad to take the CGFNS and NCLEX before applying for a visa. The CGFNS test is a three-part program which evaluates the foreign nurse’s education. The test includes a one-day qualifying exam of nursing knowledge and an English language proficiency exam. The CGFNS test is offered three times a year in the U.S. Foreign nurses educated in the U.S. also need a Visa Screen Certificate. The Visa Screen Certificate is valid for 5 years.
7) Yes. Canadian citizens working in the U.S. need a Visa Screen Certificate and a TN (Trade NAFTA) visa to work in the U.S. Canadian-educated nurses do not have to take the CGFNS test, but have to take the NCLEX before a Visa Screen Certificate is issued.
8) An H-1B visa is a temporary work visa for professionals in specialty occupations, such as nursing. It is issued for a maximum of six years, sometimes in 3-year increments. A business immigration attorney should be used to file an H-1B petition. The foreign nurse must have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent foreign degree. Additionally, the specialty position must require such a degree and the the employer must normally require a bachelor’s degree as a minimum requirement for the position. Lastly, the nurse must have the state license required for the position. It is difficult for nurses to obtain the H-1B visa since most entry level nursing positions do not require a bachelor’s degree. It is possible for a nurse with an advanced practice degree or specialty certification to receive an H-1B visa for an advanced position.
UMHS employs nurses with a bachelor’s degree, associate degree or diploma in nursing in entry level positions. We do not routinely sponsor nurses with H-1B status.
9) Student nurses with F-1 visas can work in their field 20 hours per week maximum and full-time during vacations. If they wish to work in their field for an additional 12 months after graduation, students may apply at the International Center for Optional Practical Training before graduation.
10) The U-M’s International Center does not process green card applications on behalf of nurses. However, if the Health System agreed to sponsor a green card, an outside business immigration attorney may be retained. Foreign nurses with current green cards (immigrant with permanent residency) can be hired just like any U.S. citizen. A Visa Screen Certificate is not required. The green card must be renewed every 10 years. For additional information, call the International Center at 734-936-4180.
