medicalMonitor
the monthly healthcare immigration eZine
                                   published by Hammond Law Group, LLC 
FEBRUARY 21, 2003 VOL. I ISSUE 2 
The direct link to this page is [http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/healthcare_newsletter02.03.htm] 
 
PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO EXPAND HEALTHCARE IMMIGRATION
Rep. Shelia Jackson-Lee (D-TX) introduced a bill which would expand the H-1c  visa category, allowing health care facilities to use H-1c  much like other businesses use the H-1 visa class.  This advancement could help to create efficiencies in the immigration and recruitment process.  The House has yet to vote on the bill.   
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=108_cong_bills&docid=f:h87ih.txt.pdf
 
FINDING ALTERNATIVES TO TOEFL
CGFNS has asked the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to review the Test of English in Communications (TOEIC), and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as alternatives English language proficiency exams.  CGFNS is pushing for a determination to be made by March 1, 2003.
http://www.cgfns.org/cgfns/newsandevents/visa&immigration.html
 
FASTER NCLEX?
Nurses can get an earlier NCLEX testing date in Guam than in Saipan. Nurses who register to take the NCLEX in Guam will have to wait only 2 to 3 weeks to take the exam while a nurse who registers in Saipan will have to wait up to 6-7 weeks.  Our source indicates that both facilities have very limited availability and that the centers continue to expand both technology and staff to fulfill the increasing demand.
 
FEATURED  PUBLICATION:
OBTAINING AN H-1
b  VISA FOR A PROFESSIONAL NURSE
Mike Hammond, Principal and Founder of Hammond Law Group, offers a discussion of current acceptable usage of the H-1b  visa category for nursing professionals and illustrates proven strategies.  This article was recently featured on the leading immigration news portal, ILW.com. 
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/colum_article/articles/2003,0205-hammond.shtm
 
INS REDUCES FILING FEES
On January 24, 2003, the INS eliminated the asylum surcharge for many nonimmigrant and immigrant filings.   As an example, the filing fee for an I-140, Schedule A petition is now $99.   
http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/alerts/01.24.03alert.htm
 
INDIA AND THE NEXT RECRUITMENT BOOM: NEW YORK TIMES ARTICLE
Thousands of Indian nurses are preparing to be a part of the first major U.S. migration since the technology boom.  This article highlights the nursing shortage faced by the United States and offers a glimpse into the personal experience of an Indian nurse as she seeks a better opportunity in the U.S.
Indian Nurses Sought To Staff U.S. Hospitals by Saritha Rai (NYT) February 10, 2003
http://www.hammondlawfirm.com/nyt_article.htm

   

 
 
 
 

Hammond Law Group has a team of attorneys and legal staff who work with leading hospitals, recruiting agencies, and other healthcare providers to handle the immigration processing of cases for professional nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists and other healthcare providers. This eZine is designed to provide our clients with only the information they need. For more detailed information about any of the topics discussed, please contact us and a member of our healthcare team will be happy to speak to you.  mfh@hammondlawfirm.com 

 

This eZine is intended for current and prospective clients of Hammond Law Group, LLC.   

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