The United States has one of the most structured and detailed immigration laws in the world, with many government agencies regulating various parts of the immigration process.  The healthcare field is probably the most highly regulated area of all.  

The following healthcare workers must comply with special“credentialing” requirements imposed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. These requirements are in addition to teach Stte's licensing requirements.

• Physicians
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Licensed Vocational Nurses
• Registered Nurses
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
• Medical Technologists (also known as Clinical Laboratory Scientists)
• Physicians’ Assistants
• Medical Technicians (also known as Clinical Laboratory Technicians)

The immigration aspects of the above foreign healthcare workers (as well as Pharmacists) are discussed in more detail in the white paper that is included at the bottom of this page.

These foreign healthcare worker must, therefore, comply with more requirements in order to work than a U.S. citizen.  In fact, it is possible for a foreign healthcare worker to be fully licensed in the State where they intend to work, yet still be unable to obtain a work visa or green card because they have not met all of their credentialing requirements.    

Not all foreign healthcare workers are subject to immigration credentialing requirements.  Only foreign physicians and those healthcare workers covered by the “VisaScreen” credentialing program need to comply with extra credentialing requirements.  All other foreign healthcare workers must only comply with the licensing requirements established by the State in which they intend to work.

White Papers/Presentations