U.S. Immigration & Workforce Policy Updates for International Nurses

U.S. immigration and healthcare workforce policies can change frequently through legislation, regulation, court decisions, and administrative action. This page helps you understand where to verify current requirements and monitor updates.

Important: This page provides educational information about U.S. policy sources and processes. It does not constitute legal advice, guarantees, or predictions about immigration outcomes. Always consult official sources and licensed immigration attorneys for your specific situation.

How U.S. Policy Changes Happen

Understanding the landscape of regulatory authority

Multiple Agencies, Multiple Processes

U.S. immigration and healthcare workforce policy is administered by multiple federal agencies, each with distinct authority. No single entity controls all aspects of nurse immigration and employment.

Changes can occur through Congressional legislation, agency rulemaking, court decisions, executive orders, visa bulletin updates, or administrative guidance. The timing and scope of these changes may vary.

Statutes & Legislation

Laws passed by Congress that establish immigration frameworks and requirements. These may change through new legislation or amendments.

Regulations

Rules published by agencies like USCIS, Department of Labor, and Department of State that interpret and implement statutes. Published in the Federal Register.

Visa Bulletins

Monthly updates from the Department of State that indicate visa availability based on country of origin and preference category.

Court Decisions

Federal court rulings that may affect immigration policy implementation, enforcement, or interpretation of existing law.

Key Government Sources

Official U.S. government sources for immigration and workforce policy

USCIS EB-3 Nurses (Schedule A)

Official information about the EB-3 employment-based third preference immigration category for professional nurses under Schedule A, including eligibility requirements and procedures.

Form I-140 Instructions & Filing

Instructions, filing requirements, and guidance for Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers, the primary petition form for employment-based immigrant visas.

USCIS Processing Times

Check current processing times for specific forms and service centers. Updated regularly to reflect actual processing timelines for various immigration applications.

USCIS Case Status

Check the status of your pending immigration application using your receipt number. Provides real-time updates on case processing and decisions.

USCIS Online Account

Create and manage your USCIS online account to file certain applications, check case status, receive notifications, and manage your immigration documents.

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

Administers labor certification processes and Schedule A occupations. Publishes guidance on prevailing wages, labor market conditions, and employment verification requirements.

White House – Presidential Actions

Executive orders, proclamations, and memoranda that may direct federal agencies to adjust immigration policies, enforcement priorities, or administrative procedures.

Federal Register

Official journal of the federal government where proposed and final rules, public notices, and regulatory changes are published for all agencies.

U.S. Federal Courts

Court decisions and opinions that may interpret immigration law, challenge regulations, or affect policy implementation and enforcement.

Visa Bulletin & Priority Dates

Monitor monthly visa availability and priority date movement for EB-3 nurses

What Nurses Should Check Monthly

The Visa Bulletin is published monthly by the U.S. Department of State and shows visa availability by category and country. For EB-3 nurses, you should:

  • Check the EB-3 row (Employment-Based Third Preference) in both the "Final Action Dates" and "Dates for Filing" charts
  • Compare your priority date (the date your I-140 was filed) to the dates shown
  • Look at your country of birth column (especially if from India, China, Philippines, or Mexico)
  • If your priority date is earlier than the date shown, your visa may be available for the next step

EB-3 Quick Checklist for International Nurses

Key milestones in the EB-3 visa process

NCLEX Passed

Successfully complete the NCLEX-RN examination to demonstrate nursing competency for U.S. licensure.

VisaScreen Obtained

Complete the CGFNS VisaScreen credential verification process, including education verification and English proficiency.

Job Offer Secured

Receive a permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. healthcare employer willing to sponsor your EB-3 visa petition.

I-140 Filed by Employer

Your sponsoring employer files Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers) with USCIS on your behalf.

Monitor Visa Bulletin Monthly

Check the monthly Visa Bulletin to track priority date movement and determine when you can proceed with adjustment of status or consular processing.

Note: This checklist provides a general overview of key steps. Your specific timeline and requirements may vary based on your country of origin, employer, and current immigration policy. Always verify requirements with official sources and licensed immigration attorneys.

Disclaimer & Update Policy

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. U.S. immigration law is complex and subject to change. Individual circumstances vary, and outcomes depend on many factors beyond the control of Ameri Nurse USA.

No Guarantees: Ameri Nurse USA cannot guarantee visa approvals, processing times, job placements, or specific outcomes. All immigration decisions are made by U.S. government agencies, not by recruitment organizations or their representatives.

Policy Changes: U.S. immigration and healthcare workforce policies can change frequently through legislation, regulation, court decisions, or administrative action. Information that is accurate today may be outdated tomorrow.

Verification Required: Always verify current requirements, fees, procedures, and timelines through official U.S. government sources or licensed immigration attorneys. Do not rely solely on third-party summaries or interpretations.

Attorney Consultation: For legal advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed U.S. immigration attorney. Ameri Nurse USA is not a law firm and does not provide legal services.

Last Reviewed: January 2026