New Developments In Nurse Visa Procedures

CGFNS Case Tracking

The Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools has introduced a new Automated Voice Response System to allow people filing applications with CGNFS to check the status of cases via an automated phone system. Apparently, CGFNS knows about the INS’ past reputation with its automated phone status check system and is prominently advertising that users can “Check the status of your file anytime, anywhere with no busy signals!”

To access the system, international callers need to dial 001+ 215-599-6200. In the US, call 1-215-599-6200.

Applicants will need to enter their CGFNS ID Number and birth date in order to access the system. The system provides callers with information on their

• Certification Program (for the current exam only), Credentials Evaluation Service or VisaScreen application, including the date the application was received and the current status of the file
• Provides the name and number of the Exam Center (for CP Program) and whether or not the permit has been mailed out (if your application has been approved)
• Provides information regarding the results for the previous Qualifying Exam (for the CP Program)
• Tells you when CGFNS expects to mail them out and whether or not results are being held for any reason (payment, missing documents, etc.)
• -actual results will not be available due to security concerns
• Allows you to check the spelling of your name and address in the CGFNS database and
• Allows you to check if CGFNS has received your TOEFL score, and if CGFNS has not, it allows you to input your TOEFL appointment number (CGFNS cannot accept scores from the applicant).

 

No word yet when CGFNS will follow the INS and allow for web-based status checking.

 

MELAB to Go

The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) is no longer going to be available for nursing visas or other health care worker cases. People who have taken the exam or who scheduled the exam before November 27th are not affected. Apparently, the folks at the English Language Institute, the organization that administers the exam, no longer think they have the resources to accommodate the masses of people applying to take the exams.

Here is the official text from the announcement:

“The MELAB is no longer a test to take if you are seeking certification as a foreign health care worker. The MELAB program has officially requested that the MELAB no longer be recognized for the purpose of certifying health care workers. Those considering registering for the test after November 27, 2002 should be aware that the ELI will not send their scores to agencies involved with visa screening for health care professionals.

Health care workers who have already taken the MELAB or who have already scheduled a particular test date will not be affected by this policy change.

Health care workers who have registered but not yet scheduled a test date may contact ELI by email or mail to request a full refund of test fees. For these people, the ELI will not send MELAB score reports to agencies involved with visa screening.”

 

Comments on VisaScreen Regulation Submitted to INS

The American Immigration Lawyers Association and the American Hospital Association have each commented on the recently proposed VisaScreen regulations for nurse visa cases. The AILA comments made the following major points:

1. Promulgation of an official announcement designating all currently approved English language testing services should be accomplished immediately.
2. Sudden withdrawal of the authority to grant blanket waivers for nonimmigrant health care workers, aside from creating an administrative nightmare for the Service, would seriously disrupt U.S. employers’ healthcare worker staffing programs.
3. A transitional period during which temporary authority to grant blanket waivers continues is needed to avoid employer staffing disruption and burden on the Service.
4. A more objective factor would be whether the employer is involved in providing direct patient care as defined under federal health care financing law.
5. Only the job description in the United States is relevant in determining whether a health care occupation should be subject to the certification requirement.
6. Health care workers who received their training and education in the United States should be exempt from certification.
7. Monitoring of credentialing organizations must include a performance evaluation of the organization’s customer service performance. Approved organizations must provide service in a reasonable time and provide a mechanism for prompt, effective, cost-effective communication to stakeholders. Initial and continued approval should be conditioned upon meeting these standards.

 

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