Additional Documentary and Licensing Requirements for Nurses and other Health Care Professionals (USA, Canada, & the United Kingdom)
A. What are the other requirements to support my application?
In addition to the requirements listed on the main FAQ page, you will be required to complete and pass the following credentialing and licensing requirements.
United States of America (USA)
1. Eb-3rd Preference Immigrant Visa - For Nurses Only
- CGFNS and/or ICHP VisaScreen Certificate (if available)
- English Proficiency Exam Score Report (TOEFL-ibt or IELTS)
- NCLEX
2. H1-B (Work) Visa – For Physical & Occupational Therapist (PT & OT)
- Credential Review (State Board)
- Health Care Workers Certificate (VisaScreen), if available
- TOEFL-iBT
- License (NPTE or NBCOT)
Canada
- 1. IELTS
- 2. Credentialing approval by the Canadian Province Regulatory Body
United Kingdom (UK)
Here are THE ACCEPTED ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEST:
1. IELTS band score of at least 6.5 in Writing and at least 7 across all other section in one or two sittings based on the approved combination scores of NMC:
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test1 | 7 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7 |
| Test2 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 |
NOTE: Exams must be taken within 6 months apart.
2. An OET score of at least B across all sections in one or two sittings based on the approved combination scores of NMC:
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test1 | B | B | C+ | B |
| Test2 | B | C+ | B | B |
NOTE: Exams must be taken within 6 months apart.
Check this link for more information: https://www.nmc.org.uk
B. What is the salary rate for nurses and health care professionals?
For the UK nurses, the Point Based System Tier 2 (General) Visa will be used. The average processing time is at least 4 months after passing the English Language Test. This timeline will include NMC Test of Competence (Computer Based Test or CBT), NMC Documentation, Visa Filing, and other documentary requirements. Timeline may take longer if nurse applicant prolongs the completion of documentary requirements or needs more time to prepare for the latter stages.
C. How long does it take to complete the process?
The employment-based 3rd Preference (Eb-3) Immigrant Visa processing generally takes about 18 – 24 months to complete in most States, but may take longer if the visa retrogression is in effect and nurse applicant delays the acquisition and submission of documentary requirements of the U.S. Immigration Office (USCIS), National Visa Center (NVC) and the U.S. Embassy.
For PTs and OTs, the H1-b (work) visa processing timeline ranges from 3-6 months. However, prior to visa documentation and filing, applicant must first complete the credentialing requirements and acquire health care workers certificate (VisaScreen). Processing time varies per U.S. state assignment, regulatory bodies and immigration rulings at the time the application is filed.
For nurses in U.K, the Point-Based System Tier 2 (General) Visa processing time ranges from 10-15 days. Upon completion of Part 1 of the NMC test of competence, visa filing will be arranged. The Part 2 of NMC test of competence will be taken in the U.K.
D. Is financial assistance provided by the company that employs me?
Employers generally offer financial assistance to cover expenses for examination fees, visa, airfare, and other immigration processing expenses. The full coverage and details of financial assistance package is discussed during the scheduled interview workshop.
E. I made it through the final interview, would it be possible to take my family to the U.S.A. with me?
Yes, if you are under a petition for the Eb-3 immigrant visa. You may include your spouse and unmarried children below 21 years old in the petition.
