More Nurses and Doctors in USA: Recaptured Visas for Healthcare Workers
This act aims to increase the number of nurses and doctors in the United States, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. It allows for the recapture of previously unused immigrant visas for healthcare professionals, which could improve healthcare access for citizens. The visa application process is intended to be expedited, with a safeguard that hiring foreign workers will not displace U.S. workers.
Key points
Up to 40,000 additional visas will be available for professional nurses (25,000) and physicians (15,000), plus their families.
These visas are exempt from per-country limits, allowing more individuals from a single country to receive them.
The processing of visa applications for these healthcare workers will be expedited, with no premium fees charged.
Employers must attest that hiring a foreign healthcare worker will not displace a U.S. worker.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_1024
Sponsor: Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL]
Process start date: 2021-03-25