{"id":5845,"date":"2022-08-28T16:48:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-28T21:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/krilaw.com\/?p=5845"},"modified":"2026-04-07T14:47:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T19:47:23","slug":"immigration-options-for-nurses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/krilaw.com\/es\/immigration-options-for-nurses\/","title":{"rendered":"Immigration Options for Nurses\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

The U.S. has continued to face a shortage of medical workers, and in response, federal law has given preference to certain classes of immigrants, including non-citizen nurses. If you are a nurse seeking employment<\/a> in the U.S., you have several possible pathways to becoming a legal resident.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC<\/span> offers professional legal guidance for health professionals interested in obtaining U.S. residency or citizenship. Contact our immigration attorneys to review your options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Working in the U.S. Temporarily As a Non-Citizen Nurse<\/h2>\n

Non-citizen nursing professionals who want to work in the U.S temporarily may obtain an H-1B visa<\/a>. Foreign nationals who have been offered to work a \u201cspecialty occupation\u201d by a U.S. company frequently choose an H-1B visa as a temporary work permit. In order to receive an H-1B visa, you will need to file an I-129 petition with USCIS. The petition is approved only if the prospective employer shows that your position would be categorized as a specialty occupation. The position must require an educational background, such as a bachelor\u2019s or its equivalent, or involves duties that require the knowledge obtained through a higher degree.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Obtaining an H-1B visa is easier with an attorney. Most states require registered nurses to hold a bachelor\u2019s degree, so therefore individuals may have improved chances of success. Our lawyers can help you better understand your specific situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Can Non-Citizen Nurses Obtain A Green Card?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Occasionally, an employer may agree to sponsor you for a green card. Applicants must obtain a PERM labor certification<\/a> to receive an employment-based green card, which is completed by their employer. This process is often easier for nurses since nursing is classified as a \u201cSchedule A\u201d position.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The U.S. Department of Labor identified several occupations that are insufficiently supported by American workers. These positions are classified as \u201cSchedule A\u201d occupations, which are given focused attention by immigration law. Relevant nursing positions include:<\/span><\/p>\n