TheUSCIS requires HealthcareWorker Certificates, sometimes called Visa Screens are required forforeign-born healthcare workers who will be employed in the US in the followingprofessions:
  • ·        Nurses (including LPNs, vocational nurses, andRNs);
  • ·        Physical Therapists;
  • ·        Occupational Therapists;
  • ·        Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists;
  • ·        Medical Technologists or Clinical LaboratoryScientists;
  • ·        Medical Technicians or Clinical LaboratoryTechnicians; and
  • ·        Physician Assistants.
A valid Visa Screen mustbe provided to the USCIS when the healthcare worker applies for entrance to theUS, change of status, extension of status, or adjustment of status (a greencard application).  In light of theUSCIS’s new policies regarding the issuance of Requestsfor Evidence (RFE), Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), and Noticesto Appear (NTA),healthcare workers are advised to not let their Visa Screens expire. 
In the past, if an H-1Bextension was filed without a valid Visa Screen, the USCIS would generally sendan RFE to request it.  Under the newUSCIS new policies, the lack of a valid Visa Screen would be grounds forimmediate denial.  Further, with the newNTA policy, if the healthcare worker’s I-94 has expired at the time of thedenial, the worker could be put into deportation proceedings immediately.
MU strongly advises healthcareworkers to timely renew their Visa Screens so that they can continue tomaintain their immigration status and their ability to work in the US.