For some time now, the US has been facing a significant shortage of doctors and registered nurses. The issue became worse during the pandemic and was only partially addressed since then. Healthcare providers are trying to resolve the issue by onboarding foreign workers, but not even that seems to be working.
“Many hospitals sponsor green cards for foreign talent,” according to the international nursing jobs agency, Connetics USA. “By streamlining the process, many organizations were able to fill the gap. Unfortunately, the lack of nurses is still noticeable in rural areas.”
These sponsorships are an incredible solution for everyone involved. Besides the fact that hospitals get reliable workers under contract, the US as a whole is improving its healthcare system. Sponsorships are also a great opportunity for nurses from poor countries to turn their luck around.
The Need for Foreign Nurses
It is projected that 203,000 new nurse positions will be created each year until 2031. The reason behind the increased demand lies in numerous factors, with the following ones having the biggest impact:
- One quarter of US nurses plan to retire in the next five years.
- An average nurse is 46 years old, making it challenging to fulfill the physical demands of intense environments, such as hospitals.
- Companies are doing their best to increase access, partially through virtual solutions.
- The number of people 65 years old or older has increased by 9.4% from 2020 to 2023, a trend that will become even more noticeable in the future.
- A lot of registered nurses are still reeling from the impact of the COVID pandemic, with many of them changing their profession since.
Demographic changes are the driving force behind the increased demand. As the population gets older and older, it will require an influx of professionals who will be able to take care of them.
How to Get a Green Card Sponsorship?
Nurses from the Philippines, Mexico, India, and other countries have different methods at their disposal to resolve their paperwork. When it comes to hospital-sponsored green cards, here’s a step-by-step process that you must follow:
1. Get a Job Offer
The process starts with a job offer from a US clinic or hospital. Many local healthcare providers work with recruitment agencies that handle paperwork, transport, and accommodation of the foreign labor. Nowadays, you can easily find offers from abroad by hiring a local agency or searching jobs online.
2. Fill I-140 Form
I-140 is the basic form that alien workers have to fill as a part of their immigration petition. The procedure goes through USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), ensuring fast resolution of each case.
3. Credentialing
Credentialing is an important part of the process, confirming that a nurse's diploma is valid and that they have other necessary qualifications. First, you’ll have to complete NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses).
After that, you’ll need a VisaScreen Certificate. This document, issued by CGFNS (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools), ensures your license, education, and English proficiency are according to the US norms. The last document you need is state licensure, which allows you to work in a particular state.
4. Priority Date
After receiving official approval, you’ll receive a priority date. According to it, you’ll know the time slot during which you’re eligible for application. Check the US Department of State Visa Bulletin for more information.
5. Consular Appointment
The next step will vary depending on whether or not you’re already on the US soil. If you’re still in your home country, you should go to a consulate to apply for an immigrant visa. Otherwise, you’ll have to fill the I-485 form to change the status of your current visa.
6. Issuing Green Card
After receiving all the approvals, you’ll receive a green card, which provides permanent residency and ability to work within the profession. It’s worth noting that the green card is issued indefinitely, as long as you’re working.
Nursing in the US
Regardless of recent economic struggles, the US remains the biggest economic power in the world. Being a nurse will open numerous opportunities for growth and development, making it a great opportunity for just about anyone.
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