Special Rules for Healthcare Workers
Certain healthcare workers are required to obtain a certificate that their credentials, experience, and English language ability
is equivalent to that of U.S. professionals in the same field. Currently this requirement applies to nurses, physical therapists,
occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, medical technologists, medical technicians, and physician assistants who
are seeking immigrant (permanent resident or “green card”) or nonimmigrant (temporary visa status under the TN or H-1B category)
status in the U.S.
The certificate, commonly referred to as a “VisaScreen”, is issued by the International Council on Healthcare Professionals (ICHP).
Healthcare workers considering temporary and/or permanent employment in the U.S. should begin applying for the “VisaScreen”
certificate a minimum of six months prior to beginning employment. For more information visit the CGFNS
web site at: http://www.cgfns.org/sections/programs/vs