2. Licensing and Credentialing Requirements:

Labor and delivery nurses from  must meet U.S. licensing requirements. This involves credential verification, examination, and licensing.

For Registered Nurses:

• Education Credential Evaluation: Nurses must have their academic credentials evaluated by an agency like the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) to ensure that their education meets U.S. standards.
• English Proficiency: Nurses must pass an English language proficiency exam, such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), unless they completed their nursing education in an English-speaking country.
• NCLEX-RN Exam: Candidates must pass the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) to obtain a U.S. nursing license.
• VisaScreen Certification: All foreign-educated nurses need a VisaScreen Certificate from CGFNS, which verifies their credentials, English proficiency, and ability to practice nursing in the U.S.

For Nurse Midwives:

• Nurse Midwife Certification: Midwives need to pass the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB) exam to become certified nurse midwives (CNMs) in the USA.
• State Licensure Requirements: Each U.S. state has specific licensing requirements for nurse midwives, so it’s important to understand the state-specific criteria where the candidate will be practicing.
  
  

3. Visa Options for Labor and Delivery Staff:

The appropriate visa type depends on the qualifications of the candidate and the role they will be filling. Some common visa categories for healthcare workers include:

• H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupation Visa):
  
  • Typically used for specialized nurses (e.g., nurse midwives) or those with advanced practice certifications.
  • The candidate must have at least a bachelor’s degree, and the employer must show that the position requires specialized knowledge.
• EB-3 Visa (Employment-Based Third Preference Visa):
  
  • This is the most common visa for registered nurses. The employer must first obtain a Permanent Labor Certification (PERM) from the U.S. Department of Labor to show that hiring a foreign nurse will not adversely affect U.S. workers.
  • The employer then files an I-140 (Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker) with USCIS.
• TN Visa (for Canadian or Mexican Nurses):
  
  • This is not applicable for Indian nurses, but it is an option if the candidate holds Canadian or Mexican nationality.
    
    

4. Visa Sponsorship and Application Process:

Ways Global will sponsor the candidate for a work visa or permanent residency:

• File a Labor Condition Application (LCA): For H-1B visas, the employer must file an LCA with the U.S. Department of Labor, demonstrating that the working conditions and pay are comparable to those offered to U.S. workers.
• Obtain a PERM Labor Certification: For EB-3 visas, the employer must secure a PERM certification to confirm that there are no qualified U.S. workers for the role.
• File I-140 Petition and VisaScreen Certification: Once the LCA or PERM is approved, the employer files an I-140 petition, and the candidate submits a VisaScreen certificate.
  
  

5. Support During Immigration and Transition:

• Visa Processing and Licensing Assistance: Provide support with visa processing, scheduling the NCLEX-RN exam, and obtaining state licensure.
• Relocation and Integration Support: Assist with relocation logistics, such as housing, travel, and initial orientation to the healthcare facility.
• Cultural Orientation and Mentorship: Offer training on cultural differences in the healthcare system, communication with patients and staff, and mentorship programs to ease the transition.