Following screening program came into effect from today:

VISA SCREEN CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Who

All healthcare workers; registered nurses, LPN’s, physical therapists, speech language pathologists and audiologists, occupational therapists, medical technologists, medical technicians, clinical laboratory scientists, and physician’s assistants will be required to obtain a “Visa Screen” certification.

The Visa Screen is required when one is working in the United States on a temporary basis and those seeking permanent residence. As such, healthcare workers in TN status can no longer rely upon a blanket waiver from the visa screen for non-immigrant workers as under prior regulations.

What
The certification must verify that the alien’s education, training, license, and experience are equivalent to that of a U. S. healthcare worker; that the alien has reached a level of competence in oral and written English; and that the alien has passed a test or examination such as the NCLEX exam or earned a CGFNS certificate. Healthcare professions other than Nursing do not require the CGFNS
Certificate or NCLEX exam.

When
After July 26, 2004, an extension of stay, a change of status to TN, or a new TN application at the border will not be approved without the visa screen certificate.

Where
The visa screen will be obtained from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), or an equivalent credentialing organization approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

For Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists the “VISA SCREEN” certification can be obtained through FCCPT and NBCOT respectively. Web sites are: http://www.nbcot.org" rel="nofollow">LINK and http://www.fccpt.org" rel="nofollow">LINK

Why

The Visa Screen has been implemented in order to verify that the education of a Canadian healthcare worker, as outlined above, seeking employment in the United States is comparable to that of their U.S. educated counter part.

How
Go to the CGFNS website at: http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/index.html


Go to: “Download Applications for any of CGFNS’ services directly from the website.


Download the application packet for the Visa Screen™ Visa Credentials Assessment program.


NOTE: Read all instructions very carefully before filling out all forms

neatly and completely. Providing incorrect or incomplete information

will delay the process

Once all forms are completed:



1) Forward all “Requested for Academic Records” form to the appropriate educational institution(s).

2) Forward all “Requested for Validation of Registration/License” forms to the appropriate registration authority(ies).

3) Send completed application (pages 4-7) and your payment to:



International Commission on Healthcare Professions

Attention: VisaScreen™: Visa Credentials Assessment

3600 Market Street

Suite 400

Philadelphia, PA

19104-2665

U.S.A.

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