EB-3 Immigrant Visa (Green Card)

For Nurses and Therapists in the US

Requirements and Processes

  • The healthcare professional must fulfill initial visa filing requirements-

    • The RN/PT/OT must:
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree or the required equivalent
  • Possess a diploma from an appropriate professional school in his/her country
  • Hold a valid license in his/her country
  • Have documentation of passing scores on the appropriate English language exam
  • Meet one of the following requirements:
  • Have evidence that he/she passed the licensing examination
  • For Nurses: Possess a certificate stating that the professional has passed the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) exam
  • For Therapists: Possess a letter from the licensing board of the state of intended employment proving eligibility to take the state licensing exam
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  • OTs must meet all PERM requirements and regulations prior to filing
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              The Sponsor/Employer must:

  • Submit an “Immigrant Visa Petition” (Form I-140) along with ETA-9089 forms and other supporting documents to the designated BCIS (Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services) service center
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  • Healthcare Worker Certification must be obtained-

    • The Foreign Educated professional must:
  • Obtain one of the following:
  • For RN/PT/OT: Visa Screen from CGFNS which can be obtained upon demonstration of the following:
  • Education is comparable to US Education
  • All licenses are valid and unencumbered
  • Unless exempt, passing scores on required English language exams
  • For nurses: passing scores on either the CGFNS Qualifying Exam or the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN)
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  • For PT only: Certificate from FCCPT (Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy) which can be obtained upon demonstration of the following:
  • Education is comparable to US Education
  • All licenses are valid and unencumbered
  • Unless exempt, passing scores on required English language exams
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  • For OT only: Visa Credential Verification Certificate (VCVC) from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) which can be obtained upon demonstration of the following:
  • Education is comparable to US Education
  • All licenses are valid and unencumbered
  • Unless exempt, passing scored on required English language exams
  • Passing scores on the Occupational Therapist Registered Certification Exam
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  • “Notice of Action” showing approval of Form I-140 is received by employer and the application is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC).
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  • NVC sends “Packet 3” to candidate with forms to fill out and return. Once forms are received, NVC will send application file to the US Embassy.
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  • Once file is received at the US Embassy, the US Department of Consular Affairs Bureau will send “Packet 4” to the candidate. After the packet is completed and returned, an interview date at the Consulate will be set.
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  • Consulate Interview Requirements
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  • Medical Exam by Embassy designated doctor
  • Bring to Interview:
  • A healthcare certification certificate
  • A valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage license (if married)
  • Police certificates (if any)
  • Court and prison records (if any)
  • Recent Photos
  • Current contract with employer/sponsor
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  • After the Visa is approved, the worker is eligible to enter and work in the United States.
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