What is Health Care Worker Certification?
If you are a foreign health care worker, health care worker certification identifies and documents that you have met minimum requirements for training, licensure, and English proficiency. These requirements are necessary for professional roles as: - Licensed practical nurses, licensed vocational nurses, or registered nurses
- Occupational and physical therapists
- Speech language pathologists and audiologists
- Medical technologists and technicians
- Physician assistants
Who Must Obtain Health Care Worker Certification?
A non-citizen coming to the United States for employment as a health care worker will not be admitted unless he presents a certificate from either the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or a certificate of equal standing from an organization with similar credentials. This applies to immigrant and nonimmigrants alike. Nonimmigrants coming to get training in a health care occupation are not required to obtain certification. What are the Rules Regarding Nonimmigrants?
Nonimmigrants are subject to the same certification requirements as immigrants. A nonimmigrant who seeks admission into the United States to change status or request an extension of stay must provide evidence of health care worker certification if the primary purpose for coming to the United States is employment in a health care occupation. Who is Authorized to Issue Health Care Worker Certification?
Certain organizations are authorized to issue certificates for certain health care occupations, including: - Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) ¿ All 7 health care occupations
- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy ¿ Occupational therapists
- Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy ¿ Physical therapists
Do I Need a Lawyer to Obtain Health Care Worker Certification?
Immigration laws are constantly changing. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations depending on your immigration status and health care occupation. |
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