Specialized immigration legal services for nurses, physicians, physical therapists, and healthcare workers in New York. Expert guidance on H-1B, J-1 waivers, TN visas, green cards, and CGFNS certification.
For registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals. Requires bachelor's degree and appropriate license. 3-year initial, renewable to 6 years.
Eligible Professions
RNs, PTs, OTs, SLPs, medical technologists, dietitians, clinical research coordinators
Requirements
BSN or equivalent, NCLEX-RN (nurses), CGFNS certificate, NY state license or VisaScreen
For international medical graduates doing residency or fellowship in US. Subject to 2-year home residency requirement. J-1 waiver available through Conrad 30 program or other pathways.
J-1 Waiver Options
Conrad 30 (underserved area), interested government agency, no objection statement, hardship
After Waiver
Can apply for H-1B or green card. 3-year service commitment in underserved area (Conrad 30)
NAFTA/USMCA visa for Canadian and Mexican citizens. No cap, no lottery. Available for RNs, medical technologists, and other healthcare professions on TN list.
Eligible Professions
Registered nurses, medical technologists, pharmacists, physical/occupational therapists
Advantages
No annual cap, fast processing at border/consulate, 3-year validity, unlimited renewals
For healthcare workers with advanced degrees (Master's or higher) or physicians. Requires PERM labor certification and employer sponsorship. NIW available for physicians in underserved areas.
Who Qualifies
Physicians, nurse practitioners (MSN), PAs, PharmDs, physical therapists with advanced degrees
Timeline
PERM: 6-12 months. I-140: 4-6 months. I-485: 8-14 months. Total: 18-32 months
Most common green card category for RNs. Requires BSN, NCLEX-RN, and employer sponsorship through PERM. Schedule A designation allows faster processing (no recruitment ads).
Schedule A Advantage
RNs and physical therapists are Schedule A Group I - can skip recruitment phase, faster PERM approval
Requirements
BSN or foreign equivalent, CGFNS certificate or VisaScreen, NCLEX-RN pass, job offer from US employer
Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) certification is required for foreign-educated nurses and healthcare professionals seeking immigration to the US. VisaScreen is the certificate that validates your education, license, and English proficiency.
Education Analysis
Verification that your nursing education is equivalent to US standards
License Verification
Confirmation of valid, unencumbered nursing license in home country
English Proficiency
IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved English exam results
NCLEX-RN
Passing score on US nursing licensure exam (for RNs)
Timeline
3-4 months for VisaScreen certificate once all documents submitted
Cost
$400-700 for VisaScreen application and processing fees
Scenario:
You're an RN in Philippines/India with BSN and home country license. Want to work in NY hospital.
Our Solution:
We guide you through: (1) CGFNS VisaScreen application, (2) NCLEX-RN exam scheduling, (3) NY state license application, (4) Hospital employer petition for H-1B or EB-3 green card. Timeline: 12-18 months total.
Scenario:
You completed residency on J-1 visa, now have 2-year home country requirement. Want to stay and practice in US.
Our Solution:
We help with Conrad 30 waiver: find qualifying underserved area job in NY, prepare waiver application, coordinate with NY Dept of Health, file waiver with USCIS. Then petition for H-1B or green card. Timeline: 6-12 months.
Scenario:
You're Canadian RN with BSN and valid Canadian license. Received job offer from NY hospital.
Our Solution:
We prepare TN petition documents and accompany you to US-Canada border or consulate for TN application. No USCIS petition needed. Can start working within days of approval. Renewable every 3 years.
Scenario:
You've been working as RN on H-1B for 5+ years. 6-year limit approaching. Need permanent solution.
Our Solution:
We file EB-3 Schedule A green card through your employer. Can get 1-year H-1B extensions while green card pending. Strong case since RNs are Schedule A. Permanent residence in 18-24 months.
Scenario:
You're licensed PT in home country with DPT degree. NY requires different coursework/exams.
Our Solution:
We coordinate with FCCPT for credential evaluation, advise on coursework requirements, guide through NY PT license application. Once licensed, employer can sponsor for H-1B (Schedule A, faster processing).
Scenario:
Your sponsoring hospital was acquired by larger health system. Unsure if H-1B/green card still valid.
Our Solution:
We analyze: Does new entity succeed to old H-1B? Need H-1B amendment? Green card still valid under AC21 portability? We amend petitions if needed or advise on portability rights.
We've worked with hospitals, nursing homes, private practices, and healthcare staffing agencies across NY. We understand healthcare licensing, credentialing, and workforce needs.
Guide foreign healthcare workers through complex CGFNS certification, NCLEX scheduling, and state licensure requirements.
Expert in Schedule A green cards for RNs and PTs - faster processing without recruitment ads. Maximize your chances of approval.
Extensive experience with Conrad 30 waivers, interested government agency waivers, and hardship waivers for physicians.
Streamlined documentation, efficient communication with HR departments, and understanding of hospital compliance requirements.
Help healthcare workers navigate multi-state licensing, telehealth regulations, and working across state lines.
We serve hospitals, clinics, and healthcare workers throughout New York
Whether you're a foreign nurse seeking VisaScreen certification, a physician needing a J-1 waiver, or a hospital sponsoring healthcare workers, our specialized immigration attorneys are here to help.