H-1C Visa, Registered Nurses in Health Professional Shortage Area

As our population ages there is a continued and growing need for and a shortage of registered nurses. In the past, the USCIS has recognized this need and programs existed to fill the shortage needed for nursing homes. However, these programs have expired. Lately, an H-1C non-immigrant visa for qualified registered nurses has existed for designated areas where great health professional shortages exist. This classification was due to expire on December 20, 2009 and unfortunately has expired.

We suggest that all foreign nurses continue to monitor our website. Part of President Obama's agenda during his second term is a rewrite of our immigration laws and structure. Besides dealing with the U.S. illegal immigrant problem new laws probably deal with shortages of qualified and skilled workers. Registered nurses fit these criteria. As soon as opportunities arise we will modify this website accordingly.

In the interim, registered nurses are still eligible under the general H-1B category. Unfortunately, this catch all visa is highly sought by all skilled workers and closed for the remainder of 2013. When available, employers can also proceed to sponsor these visa holders for permanent residency (green card).