I am frequently asked about Registered Nurses, or RNs, obtaining H-1B visas to work in the US. Surprisingly few people, including attorneys, realize that RN positions as a general rule do not qualify for H-1B. See this memo from November 27, 2002, that clarifies the government’s position on this issue:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/NurseMemo_112702.pdf
For a position to qualify for H-1B, it must be a job that in the industry requires at least a Bachelor’s degree for entry into the position. Most RNs have associates degrees and licensing, but not Bachelor’s degrees. Even if a person has a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, because in the industry a Bachelor’s is not normally required for an RN, the position is not H-1B eligible.
If the position being offered is not an entry level RN position, it might be H-1B worthy. Some examples are Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Practitioners, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists, and Certified Nurse-Midwife positions. I have also seen management level nursing positions qualify as well.
For nationals of Canada and Mexico, there is an alternative. TN visas are available under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for certain jobs in the US. RN is on the list. If you are a national of Canada or Mexico and are offered an RN position in the US, TN will serve to allow you into the US to accept that employment.
Considering the shortage of RNs in the US labor force, it is surprising how few options US employer have for filling those position with foreign labor. Call your Congressmen and Senators and urge them to pass a law that will resolve this issue. They’re all aware of it. They just need to hear from you that you want it. Take action!
Garry L. Davis
Attorney at Law