Kenyan Nurses wishing to Migrate to the USA

The process for nurses from Kenya looking to immigrate to the USA requires several steps:
1. Education and License Credentials Assessment: The first step is to verify your nursing education and licensure with an organization like the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). This organization assesses and verifies your credentials and education against U.S. standards. Only after passing their evaluation process can you proceed to the next steps.
2. English Competency: You must prove your proficiency in the English language. It is typically done through exams like the TOEFL or the IELTS.
3. NCLEX-RN Examination: The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a nationwide examination for licensing nurses in the United States. You must pass this exam to be considered for an immigrant visa as a nurse.
4. VisaScreen Certificate: You will need a VisaScreen Certificate, a screening service completed by the CGFNS. The VisaScreen Program includes an educational analysis, licensure validation, and English language proficiency assessment.
5. Employer Sponsorship - Filing of Immigrant Petition (I-140): You'll need a U.S. employer to sponsor your immigrant petition. It was done by the employer filling out Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, for you. This form is submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
6. Wait for a Visa Number: Once your petition is approved, a visa number must become available in the preference category under which you are being sponsored. It could take some time due to annual numerical limits on the number of persons that can immigrate.
7. Apply for an Immigrant Visa or Adjustment of Status: Once a visa number is available, you can apply for an immigrant visa (if you are outside the U.S.) or adjust your status (if you are in the U.S.).
8. Consular Processing: If you are outside the U.S., you will attend a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. If approved, you will be issued a visa to travel to the U.S.
9. Move to the U.S.: After obtaining the immigrant visa, you can move to the U.S. and start your nursing career.
Remember that U.S. immigration laws are complex and constantly changing, and the process can take time. You might consider consulting with an immigration attorney to guide you.
Visa types
The EB-3 visa is a United States employment-based visa designed for "skilled workers," "professionals," and "other workers." This category covers workers whose jobs require a minimum of 2 years of training or work experience that is not temporary or seasonal.
1. Skilled Workers: This group is those whose job requires a minimum of 2 years of training or work experience.
2. Professionals: This group is for qualified immigrants who hold baccalaureate degrees and are members of professions.
3. Other Workers: This group includes "other workers" whose jobs require less than two years of training or experience.
The EB-3 Visa requires a permanent, full-time job offer and an approved labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This labor certification verifies that there are not adequate U.S. workers who are able, willing, qualified, and available to do the job where the immigrant is to work and that the alien's employment will not adversely affect the wages and conditions of similar U.S. workers.
The main advantage of this visa is that it allows you to live and work permanently in the U.S., and the precise employment is not as strictly regulated as some other visas. However, the waiting times can be longer than other employment-based visas due to the annual cap.
H1 -B
H-1B sponsorship for nurses in the USA can be complex, mainly because H-1B visas are generally meant for workers in specialized occupations. Still, not all nursing positions are recognized as specialized. The H-1B visa allows U.S. employers to employ foreign workers in a specialized occupation temporarily.
While entry-level nursing roles often don't qualify because they typically require only an associate's degree, advanced practice nurses or others with a bachelor's degree may be eligible for an H-1B visa. Advanced practice nurses usually have specialized skills or knowledge, making them likely to qualify as a "specialty occupation." It would be feasible for nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists.
An important detail to note is that H-1B visas are subject to a cap that limits the number issued each year. Typically, the demand for these visas exceeds the supply, leading to a lottery for available visas.
Finally, each case is unique, so whether or not a nurse is eligible for an H-1B visa can depend on many factors. It's recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or expert to understand one's specific situation.