Ever wondered what the immigration process is for international registered nurses interested in moving to the United States? While everyone’s journey is different based on their individual circumstances, every nurse can expect to reach the same checkpoints when working toward obtaining a U.S. Green Card. In this article, we explain what to expect from the day you sign your Conexus contract right through to arriving in the U.S., so that you can be prepared at every step.
Step 1: Contract signed
You’ve applied to Conexus, been interviewed by one of our experts, and now you’ve accepted your contract! Congratulations – this is where your U.S. journey begins. You’ll be introduced to one of our Experience Coordinators, who will be your point of contact throughout the process.
At this stage, we recommend you start preparing now for your deployment. It may seem like a long way away – especially considering Priority Dates and EB-3 visa processing times – but there’s no better time than the present to start getting ready. Take a look at our blog for articles on budgeting and saving for your move, read the latest Visa Bulletin, and learn more about different locations in the U.S.
You may want to research the visa options available to you. While Conexus secures an EB-3 Green Card visa for every one of our healthcare professionals, you may be eligible to enter the next H-1B visa lottery. The H-1B visa for nurses is a temporary work permit. If chosen in the H-1B visa lottery, you may be able to fast-track your time to arrive in the U.S., while Conexus continues to work on your permanent residency.
Step 2: Gathering documents
Your dedicated Experience Coordinator will provide you with a list of documents you will need to gather. Some of these are needed to start your immigration process, while others are required later in the journey. The list will include your passport, proof of NCLEX, diploma, transcripts and more. We recommend you start collecting them as soon as possible. The faster you submit your documents, the quicker our team can start processing them.
If you are planning on moving to the U.S. with dependents, you will also need to gather essential documents for them – including passports, birth certificates, and marriage certificates. Read more about moving to the U.S. with your spouse.
Step 3: Immigration petition filed
Once we have all of your documents and have captured your Priority Date, we will file your I-140 immigration petition. The I-140, which is also known as the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, is a form submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) after we’ve received an approved permanent labor certification – which is issued by the Department of Labor and allows Conexus to hire you as a foreign worker to work permanently in the U.S.
Step 4: Education
While your immigration process is underway, our Education team will work closely with you to prepare you to work in the United States. This typically begins after your I-140 has been approved. After an assessment of your strengths and an understanding of your ambitions as a nurse, you’ll be provided with a personalized learning plan that will help you to achieve your career aspirations. Learn more about our nurse education program and opportunities in this interview with our expert.
Step 5: Healthcare facility assignment and credentialing
We’re proud to work with excellent healthcare providers in locations across the U.S. Our Selection Advisors will work with you to determine which of our partners will be the best fit for you, in terms of personal and professional goals, as well as your preferences for things such as the climate of your future home. We’ll coach you ahead of your interviews, to help ease any nerves you may have and to prepare you to answer any questions you may be asked.
When you’re successful in your interview you’ll be offered a contract to start working at that facility. Our Licensing and Credentialing specialists will then start working on endorsing your licenses, and making sure that you comply with all credentialing requirements.
Step 6: Embassy interview
One of the final stages of your immigration process is an interview at your nearest U.S. Embassy. Our team will help you to prepare for your interview, so that you can be confident in answering the questions you may be asked.
Once you’re successful in your interview, your visa approval will be issued.
Step 7: Moving to the U.S.
As soon as we have your visa approval, our Relocation team will start arranging your travel to the United States. We’ll get you prepared for deployment, including helping you to find accommodation in your new home.
Step 8: Arrive in the U.S.
Welcome to the United States! We’ll meet you at the airport and take you to your accommodation. From there, one of our Engagement Managers, who are specialists in your local area, will help you to settle in in the lead-up to starting your new role.
The journey to the U.S. is complex and can take a long time, especially when you take Priority Dates into consideration. But rest assured that Conexus will be there to support and help you through every stage, so that you can start to live your version of the American dream as soon as possible.
Are you an international registered nurse or medical technologist looking to start a new career in the U.S.? Find out how we can help.
