USCIS is asking the public for helpon the issue of H-1B visas for Registered Nurses. In particular the USCIS seeks assistance thequestions at the end of this blog posting.
The USCIS will not takecase-specific questions or questions on allied healthcare workers. The question period is through March 7, 2014.
• What current trends anddevelopments in the employment of nurses should USCIS be aware of? For example,have there been recent changes to the minimum educational, experience, trainingand/or other requirements for entry into certain specific nursing occupations?
• What new or updated USCIS guidanceis needed for H-1B nonimmigrant and Schedule A-based immigrant visa petitionsfor nurses? Are there any recommended changes or updates to the November27, 2002, USCIS Policy Memorandum on H-1B petitions for nurses, includingthe list of advanced practice nursing occupations?
• Are there any concerns regardinghow USCIS has applied applicable law or policy in adjudicating H-1Bnonimmigrant and Schedule A-based immigrant visa petitions for nurses?
• Where is the greatest need foreither permanent and/or temporary nurses?
• How are hospitals and medicaloffices utilizing staffing companies? When a staffing company places a nursewith a hospital and/or a medical office, which entity retains control over thenurse’s employment and what are indicators for that?