Special Visa for Nurses to the U.S. (2009) Proposed Bill

The US house of representatives has proposed the introduction of a non-immigrant visa for registered nurses from overseas.

If implemented, the plans could see registered nurses from abroad settle easier in the US.

As the country currently faces a shortage of skilled nursing candidates, the new visa, introduced by congressman John Shadegg, would apply to a maxiumum of 50,000s Proes from countries such as the PHILIPPINES, China and India.

Entitled the Nursing Relief Act 2009, the legislation states that "The Nation's healthcare system requires an immediate modification of federal laws relating to recruitment of qualified foreign nurses in order to operate at an efficient and effective level."

It adds that through the US' current immigration system, healthcare providers in the US cannot "efficiently and effectively recruit qualified foreign nurses."