What are the US Work Visa Options for Nurses?
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What are the US Work Visa Options for Nurses?

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As with many medical professions, there is a substantial demand for registered nurses in the United States. Many employers look to foreign-trained nurses to fill this demand. There are several potential US work visa options for foreign nurses. These include TN visa status for citizens of Mexican and Canadian, E-3 visas for citizens of Australia, and H-1B visas for other foreign nationals. We cover these visa options and US permanent residence for Nurses here. 

Does the time for the two-year foreign residence requirement need to be continuous?
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Does the time for the two-year foreign residence requirement need to be continuous?

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Some foreign exchange visitors with J-1 visas are subject to a two-year foreign residence requirement. This requires those that are subject to the home residence requirement to return home for at least two years after they complete their program. We discuss the foreign requirement and whether or not the physical presence must be continuous here.

Is there a physical presence requirement for a TN visa?
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Is there a physical presence requirement for a TN visa?

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TN visa status is granted to either Canadian or Mexican nationals authorizing them to perform professional-level work in designated USMCA professions for US employers or US clients. One of the requirements for receiving TN visa status is that you must be working inside the United States. We discuss the physical presence requirement for TN visa status here.

What is the difference between TN visa status for Canadians and Mexicans?
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What is the difference between TN visa status for Canadians and Mexicans?

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The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) authorizes qualified Mexican and Canadian citizens to accept employment in the United States in TN visa status for designated USMCA professions. Although qualified Mexican and Canadian citizens can qualify for TN visa status, there are differences in the procedures for each country. We discuss the differences in TN Visa status for both Mexican and Canadian citizens here.

I was admitted to the United States as a “non-controlled Canadian” with no I-94, how long can I stay?
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I was admitted to the United States as a “non-controlled Canadian” with no I-94, how long can I stay?

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Canadian citizens are visa-exempt and generally do not require a visa stamp before entering the United States. When entering the United States via a land port, Canadians are often admitted without CBP Form I-94, a passport stamp, or any other admission record. We discuss admission to the United States as a “non-controlled Canadian” with no I-94 here.

Is Canadian common-law marriage recognized by US immigration?
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Is Canadian common-law marriage recognized by US immigration?

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A marital relationship is an essential element for the spouse of a foreign national working or living in the United States. Suppose a qualifying marital relationship can be shown. In that case, the spouse of a foreign national on an E2, L1, H1B, TN, or any other non-immigrant visa in the United States can obtain dependent visa status. We discuss the viability of a Canadian common-law marriage for US immigration purposes here.

Can I be self-employed on a TN Visa?
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Can I be self-employed on a TN Visa?

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TN Visa status is reserved for Mexican and Canadian nationals that will be working for a US employer or servicing a US client. Employment is a required component to obtain TN Visa status. Self-employment is not allowed under the TN Visa status. We discuss the employment requirement of TN Visa status and what is considered self-employment here.

Can I commute from Canada or Mexico to the USA on a green card?
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Can I commute from Canada or Mexico to the USA on a green card?

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One of the conditions to maintain lawful US permanent resident status (LPR or Green Card holders) is to maintain and have permanent residence in the United States.  In general, a green card holder who moves outside the United States making another country their permanent residence abandons their green card. However, there are exceptions for US permanent residents who commute to the United States for employment from Canada or Mexico. We discuss, “commuter status” for US permanent residents who commute from Canada or Mexico here.

My new office L1 visa status was approved, now what?
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My new office L1 visa status was approved, now what?

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Receiving approval for an L1 New Office Petition is just the first step in the process of expanding operations into the United States. It is important to understand the limits of the L1 visa and the requirements that must be met within the first year of US operations to prepare for the extension process. We discuss how to prepare for and what to expect during the extension process here. 

What is the licensing requirement for the TN Visa?
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What is the licensing requirement for the TN Visa?

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There are many professions that have licensing requirements to work at a professional level within the United States. Although a license may be required to work at a professional level, enforcement of the licensing requirement is not a requirement for admission into the United States under TN visa status.    We explain the licensing requirements for TN Visa status below.