Nurses Unaffected by USA COVID-19 Entry Ban

To all aspiring nurses, you can still achieve and continue your American Dream despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Yes, you read that correctly. We’re here to help you understand the most recent US immigration guidelines. By the end of this article, you’ll understand what this means and how it affects Filipinos seeking employment in the USA.

On April 22, 2020, the US Government announced the suspension of entry for immigrants who present risk to the US labor market during the economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak.

The announcement made it clear that foreign workers will not be accepted into the US unless they fulfill strict limitations and exemptions, as provided in their guidelines:

 

A. The suspension and limitation on entry to the US shall apply only to aliens who:

1. Are outside the United States on the effective date of the proclamation;
2. Do not have an immigrant visa that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation; and
3. Do not have an official travel document other than a visa (such as a transportation letter, an appropriate boarding foil, or an advance parole document) that is valid on the effective date of this proclamation or issued on any date thereafter that permits him or her to travel to the United States and seek entry or admission.

 

B. Furthermore, the White House states that limitations on entry shall not apply to:

1. Any lawful permanent residents of the United States
2. Any alien seeking to enter the United States on an immigrant visa as a physician, nurse, or other healthcare professional; to perform medical research or other research intended to combat the spread of COVID-19; or to perform work essential to combating, recovering from, or otherwise alleviating the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees;  and any spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old of any such alien who are accompanying or following to join the alien; 
3. Any alien applying for a visa to enter the United States pursuant to the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program;
4. Any alien who is the spouse of a United States citizen;
5. Any alien who is under 21 years old and is the child of a United States citizen, or who is a prospective adoptee seeking to enter the United States pursuant to the IR-4 or IH-4 visa classifications;
6. Any alien whose entry would further important United States law enforcement objectives, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees, based on a recommendation of the Attorney General or his designee;
7. Any member of the United States Armed Forces and any spouse and children of a member of the United States Armed Forces;
8. Any alien seeking to enter the United States pursuant to a Special Immigrant Visa in the SI or SQ classification, subject to such conditions as the Secretary of State may impose, and any spouse and children of any such individual; or
9. Any alien whose entry would be in the national interest, as determined by the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, or their respective designees.

 

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If we simply read the headlines, it doesn’t seem like a good idea to apply for work in the USA right now. We already know how difficult it is to secure a working visa. And how complex the application process is. The new guidelines might make you feel that there are more barriers that might complicate things further.

There is a silver lining in this situation. By carefully understanding the exemptions, we can see that the limitations on entry do not apply to those who plan to apply as physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals. Their spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old will also be exempted.

 

The US is in critical need of these healthcare professionals during these extremely challenging times.

We are hopeful that the situation around the world will gradually improve. We don’t know when things could go back to normal, but you can be rest assured that we can help you navigate the US application process through this pandemic and beyond.

 

Get back on track to fulfilling your career goals! Register to join our US Candidate Development Program Orientation (USCDP).