General Questions

1. What is a GREEN CARD/VISA Status?
The green card is an application by a Philippine citizen for permanent residency in the United States. A US employer must sponsor the application (Cirrus). Once an applicant has received the green card, they are eligible to work anywhere in the United States.

2. What are the necessary documents required to receive a GREEN CARD for a Nursing Professional?

Nursing or Physical Therapy Diploma
Philippine Nursing or Physical Therapy License
US Nursing or Physical Therapy License in the appropriate State the professional will be working
Proof of Citizenship – Usually a Passport, Birth Certificate, or Naturalization Documents
Visa Screen Certificate
English Proficiency Certification

3. Can children come to the US with their parents on GREEN CARD Status?
Yes.  Children must undergo application processes sponsored by a qualifying family member.  This petition must be accompanied by proof of relationship to the requesting relative.  An immigrant visa number must be available and children must meet requirements set forth by US Homeland Security.

4. Do Spouses qualify to accompany the Spouse with a GREEN CARD?
Yes.  Spouses must undergo application processes sponsored by a qualifying family member.  This petition must be accompanied by proof of relationship to the requesting spouse.  An immigrant visa number must be available and the spouse must also meet requirements set forth by US Homeland Security.

5. Will a GREEN CARD allow my spouse or children to work in the United States?
Yes.  Family members will be eligible to work anywhere in the United States.

6. How can a GREEN CARD be obtained?
There are five main ways one can get a Green Card and become a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States.

Sponsorship by an employer
Sponsorship by a qualifying family member who is a United States Citizen (Or LPR)
The Diversity Visa Lottery
Refugee Status or Political Asylum
Through Special Categories- Called Registry, Suspensions, and Special Immigrants

1.  What US testing is performed?
For Nursing, the NCLEX exam.  For Physical Therapy, the NPTE exam.  For both groups, English Proficiency Tests. 

2. Do these professionals need to come to the United States to write the US Boards?
No.  The test can be administered and taken in the Philippines. 

3. What is the CGFNS?
The Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools. An exam that was meant to evaluate 1). Whether the nurse has the appropriate English language ability; 2). The knowledge necessary to pass the NCLEX. The CGFNS is a predictor test.

4. When is the CGFNS a necessary requirement?
The CGFNS is a requirement of some of the individual state license requirements. One can take the NCLEX in some cases and then, through reciprocity, endorse the license from one state into another.

5.  Will the pay be the same as a US Nurse?
Yes.  The law requires pay to be no less than the prevailing wage for the geographical area and type of position held.

Documentation Questions:

1. For the necessary pre-employment documentation requirements, are advanced drug screens preformed in the Philippines excepted?
No. There are different standardizations and methods between the two countries. 

2. What is the process for a Filipino healthcare professional to obtain a US Social Security Card?
The Visa holder checks a box on the Immigrant Visa for to have the application forwarded to the Social Security Department and at their first port of entry into the United States, the process is also performed automatically. 

3. What documents must the Filipino professional receive while at the Social Security Office in order to begin work?
Once the Social Security Card is applied for, the Social Security Office will issue a receipt, which in some states, entitles the professional to begin work immediately. There are other states that require the actual Social Security Care before actually starting work.

4. When will the actual social security card be mailed?
The actual card will be mailed in 5 to 7 business days provided there are no delays in processing.

5. Do Filipino Nurses pay US taxes?
Yes. Nurses that work in the US pay taxes according to US tax schedules.

6. What documents will Cirrus provide prior to employment?
A.  Proof of Authorization to work in the United States
B.  A copy of the Green Card
C.  All other medical, professional, license and certification documentation  as well as all other requirements established by the individual facility, state and federal law, and requirements established by The Joint Commission.