When to Submit Visa Screen Certificate
June 23, 2006
Last week, the TSC reversed this policy and reaffirmed that the Visa Screen will be required at the time of the adjudication of the I-485 and not at the initial filing.
If the Visa Screen is not filed with the I-485, the TSC will issue a Request for Further Evidence (RFE). Adjustment of status applicants, however, are alerted to TSC policy that RFEs will no longer be extended.
A lot of RNs and PTs who are here on a tourist visa and would want to apply for adjustment of status within a few months do not have their Visa Screen yet. If the TSC requires the RNs and PTs to have the Visa Screen at the time of the I-485 adjudication rather than the time of initial filing, they would have time to pass the written and verbal tests.
CGFNS License Requirements
In the case of RNs, the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) clarified that it requires a license from the country where the nursing education was obtained. The reason behind this policy is that passing the licensure test in the country of nursing education would demonstrate to the CGFNS the nurse’s competence and knowledge.
The initial licensure from the country of nursing education is waived if the nurse cannot take the exam because of a citizenship requirement.
For instance, a Chinese nurse educated in the Philippines need not obtain initial licensure from the Philippines because of Filipino citizenship is required to obtain an RN license.
The initial licensure requirement is also waived if the nurse has to leave the country before s/he can take the licensing exam.
In the case of PTs applying for Visa Screen, on the other hand, the CGFNS does not require a PT license from his/ her country of education so long as PT is eligible to take the Board exam under applicable rules. If the PT already has a license, however, the CGFNS must validate it.