This post is from eyeonannapolis.com The situation with US nurses has reached a boiling point. Despite the fact that the local companies have an aggressive hiring strategy, there is a tangible lack of workforce. The issue is especially noticeable in rural areas, which have a hard time attracting medical staff.

As a way to remedy the issue, many clinics and hospitals are tapping into a limitless foreign workforce. So, if you’re one of the employers, you’re probably wondering what the best way is to integrate foreign nurses into your organization.

In this article, we’ll talk about different visa options and recruiting tactics. By going through this article, you’ll streamline your onboarding process and ensure that you get the best foreign talent.

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Visa Options for Nurses</h2>

If you’re looking to recruit nurses from abroad, there are two basic options at your disposal. First, you can seek temporary work visas for nonimmigrants. These visas are fantastic for testing out different options, to see if the foreign staff would fit your collective.

You can also apply for an <a href=”https://www.usa.gov/visas”>immigrant visa</a>, or a green card, which will give your future employees a permanent stay. Unlike temporary visas, which come with limited renewal options, a green card creates the basis for permanent residency. Generally speaking, foreigners are more inclined to <a href=”https://www.lankfordlawfirm.com/blog/what-should-nurses-look-for-in-an-employment-contract-before-signing/”>sign a contract</a> with a company offering a green card.

Depending on your current needs, you should choose one or the other. Nonimmigrant visas are great for temporary staff shortages and testing workforce from different countries. A permanent visa is ideal if you can’t find suitable talent in your area.

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Green Card for Nurses</h2>

Although temporary paperwork helps in some cases, most employers are inclined to go for a green card. Permanent residence allows you to sponsor talented foreign workers and provide them with permanent employment with your organization.

The biggest benefit of a green card is that it brings stability to both the company and its nurses. It sets the basis for a fruitful long-term relationship between the two sides.

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<li>EB-3 Green Card</li>
</ol>

Most companies will opt for a green card when hiring foreign medical labor. These permits are ideal for serious veterans whom you can immediately <a href=”https://www.conexusmedstaff.com/how-to-effectively-integrate-international-nurses-in-your-facility/”>integrate into your workforce</a>. We differentiate three types of green cards:

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<li>Veterans – For positions that require a bachelor’s degree from a US college or a foreign equivalent.</li>

<li>Skilled nurses – Medical positions that demand at least two years of experience or training</li>

<li>Other workers – A visa suitable for positions that demand less than two years of experience.</li>
</ul>

When we talk about foreign nurses, in particular, they generally fall into the skilled worker group. For these nurses to get the necessary documents, they’ll need sponsorship from an employer confirming there were no better options in the US for that particular spot.

It is worth noting that certain healthcare positions are pre-certified. In other words, according to Schedule A, you’re able to avoid the usual requirements, which helps you expedite the hiring process.

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<li>Schedule A</li>
</ol>

The US Department of Labor is constantly updating its list of deficitary occupations, which is referred to as <a href=”https://www.rnlawgroup.com/schedule-a-green-cards-green-cards-for-nurses-and-physical-therapists/”>Schedule A</a>. The government knows which professions lack a labor force, so they’re doing everything in their power to expedite the onboarding of foreign staff.

The most important thing about Schedule A is that, with it, your staff will not require PERM (standard labor certification). Right now, the US government allows quick hiring of physical therapists and registered nurses.

Given that these positions come with pre-certifications, there’s no need for a lengthy processing time. All you have to do is fill out the <a href=”https://www.uscis.gov/i-140″>I-140 form</a>, provide evidence of a nurse’s qualification, as well as a prevailing wage determination.

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<li>National Interest Waiver</li>
</ol>

National Interest Waiver, or NIW, is an ideal green card for medical practitioners. It allows your company to circumvent the otherwise annoying certification process. According to it, a person must work in an area that is underserved or has a major shortage for 5 years.

For a nurse to qualify for NIW, she has to fulfil the following criteria:

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<li>Get a proper document from a state health department or federal agency. The attestation has to confirm that a nurse’s work is in the public interest.</li>

<li>Have a full-time job in a specialty or primary care institution within an underserved region.</li>

<li>Show proof that you’ve worked in an <a href=”https://www.healthecareers.com/career-resources/nurse-career/rural-nursing”>underserved area</a> for at least two years before applying.</li>
</ul>

NIW is most common among foreign medical graduates who have finished their residency training in North America. Most of them get a waiver, according to which they require a two-year home residency.

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Tactics for Hiring Foreign Nurses</h2>

Here are a few things you must keep in mind when hiring foreign staff:

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<li>Understand the Process</li>
</ol>

Depending on the visa you’re getting, the process time can be quite short or long. In fact, you might not even get a certain visa depending on the current demand. Your best bet is applying for a green card, as their processing times are significantly shorter than some other visas.

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<li>Find Expert Consultants</li>
</ol>

“Dealing with visas is always an arduous job,” warns the <a href=”https://conneticsusa.com/”>international nurse recrutiment agency, Connetics USA</a>. “Finding the right consultant or attorney will ensure you’re compliant with the current legislation, while expediting the process.”

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<li>Think of Faster Options</li>
</ol>

If you’re looking to hire staff as fast as possible, you should check premium processing options. For example, certain visa categories, such as I-140 or H-1B, can be obtained much faster (within 15 days).

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<li>Find Support for Nurses</li>
</ol>

Retaining your foreign staff is every bit as important as hiring them. You should help your new employees with housing licensing, <a href=”https://www.nursingworld.org/ancc/”>credentialing</a>, and just about anything else that will make their stay in the US more pleasant.

<h2 class=”wp-block-heading”>Last Thoughts </h2>

If you’re struggling to find nurses who will improve your staff, you should consider hiring international workers. But before you do so, make sure to get acquainted with all the visa requirements and deadlines. That way, you won’t encounter any nasty surprises along the way.