This document discusses various immigration options for nurses seeking temporary visas or permanent residency in the United States. It outlines the requirements and processes for nonimmigrant visas like the TN, H-1C, and H-1B visas as well as permanent residency. A key requirement is the Visa Screen process, which is now mandatory for all nurse visa applicants and can take several months to complete. It also reviews licensing requirements across U.S. states and estimates processing times for visa petitions and adjustment of status or consular processing applications.

1. IMMIGRATION OPTIONS FOR NURSES Procedures for Temporary Visas and Permanent Residency Robert B. Spiro, Esq Attorney-at-Law Bashyam & Spiro, LLP

2. Nonimmigrant Visa Options TN H-1C H-1B

3. H-1B Requirements Bachelor’s or Equiv. (BSN) State License (or ability to obtain one) Visa Screen Essential Question – Supervisory Position? Difficult to Obtain!

4. Visa Screen How Do You Obtain One? How Long Does it Take? Does it Apply To NIV, IV, or Both? ALERT: Visa Screen Req’d For All NIV as of 7/26/2004

5. Overview of Licensing Issues 40 States Require CGFNS 11 States Require Credential Eval Course 9 States Require Either CGFNS or Cred. Eval. Report

6. Permanent Residency CGFNS or NCLEX State License Visa Petition Visa Screen Adjustment of Status/Consular Processing

7. How Long Does It Take? Visa Petition/I-140 VSC – In as Short as 2 weeks NSC – 3-4 Months CSC – 4-6 Months TSC - Around 1 Year Consular Processing Varies By Country Generally 3-5 Months

8. Bashyam & Spiro, LLP www.immigrationcounsel.com Monthly Immigration Updates Global Corporate/Individual Immigration Offices in N.Virginia and North Carolina