Why You Still Need to Take the NCLEX NOW—Despite the U.S. Visa Retrogression

The United States has always been the top-of-mind work destination for foreign nurses for various reasons, including the attractive combination of competitive salary packages and comprehensive benefits that can arguably enhance a nurse’s earning capability. Often regarded as the Land of Opportunity, the U.S. offers a progressive working environment where anyone, whether an immigrant or a resident, can achieve their professional goals. The high quality of life in various U.S. states like Alaska and Arkansas, which have access to modern amenities and diverse cultural experiences, makes it an appealing place to live. All these factors contribute to the U.S. being the top choice for many international nursing professionals and create a fulfilling career experience for them.

However, that’s not all that makes the U.S. an excellent workplace. The supportive migration policies specifically designed for foreign nurses play a significant role in attracting healthcare professionals from around the globe. The U.S. prioritizes foreign nurses by officially assigning them the Employment-Based 3 (EB-3) Immigrant Visa. Unlike typical work visas granted to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), this immigrant visa provides Filipino nurses such as yourself with status and benefits that are unique to migrants in the U.S. You need to take note that these benefits can even extend to your families!

But, due to the appealing benefits of the EB-3 immigrant visa, countless foreigners are applying for it, resulting in a lengthy wait for approval. The line towards securing the EB-3 visa could get very long. In fact, U.S. Immigration is sometimes forced to process limited immigrant visa applications at a time, usually based on the date the applications were filed or what we call the “priority date.”

As of October 2024, the latest Visa Bulletin update indicates that U.S. Immigration will only process applications filed on or before November 15, 2022. Meaning that any EB-3 visa applications submitted after this date will not be processed yet. This situation is referred to as visa retrogression, a time when U.S. Immigration is only processing applications filed on or before a specific date that is usually much earlier than the current date. You can view the official announcement here: November 2024 Visa Bulletin.

Given the setbacks caused by retrogression, some nurses have already gotten discouraged from pursuing their American Dreams, feeling that the U.S. may not be the best country for them at this moment. Nurses are now exploring various opportunities or delaying their NCLEX, believing that applying to the U.S. would be better suited for a later date. However, that’s where you might be mistaken.

Surprisingly enough, the retrogression is a sign that you MUST prioritize your USRN application by taking the NCLEX as soon as you can. Since application lead times are unpredictable and can be longer than expected, it’s better to start the process earlier rather than later. If you can do it today, why wait until tomorrow? The longer you delay your NCLEX and USRN application, the longer it may take to achieve your American Dream due to retrogression, so you should get in line ASAP.

If you want to know more, tune in to our upcoming event, Fast-Track Your USRN Journey: Why NOW is the Perfect Time to Take the NCLEX! on November 8, 2024, at 4 PM PH time. Here, speakers Fred Sampang (Director of International Healthcare, VSH Philippines) and Roxanne Casaul (Technical Screening Manager, VSH Philippines) will share valuable insights on retrogression, exam preparation, and tips for passing the NCLEX with flying colors! To attend, simply click “Going” on the Facebook Event Page to receive notifications when we go live.

To stay updated on ABBA and VSH’s USRN vacancies, join our exclusive FB Group: ABBA-VSH NURSES’ CIRCLE.

Interested in applying to VSH? Sign up here: https://tinyurl.com/AbbaVSHRNs or https://bit.ly/AbbaVSHRNs. You can also send your updated CV to vsh@abba.ph to start your application. For further inquiries, contact Angel at +63917-305 6261.

Curious about their job vacancies? Scroll down ahead to view the full details. 

JOB VACANCY DETAILS

✔ Staff Nurse Vacancies 

📍 Visa Solutions Healthcare, USA (Alaska and Arkansas) 

AVAILABLE AREAS

- Medical/Surgical

- Neuro

- Surgical/Orthopedic

- Step-down ICU/PCU

- Oncology

- Cardiac/Telemetry 

BENEFITS

- 30 to 70 USD Hourly Salary depends on the PWD and your clinical experience (or 6,083 to 8,250 USD monthly starting salary)

- OT pay

- Direct Hire

- EB-3 Visa/Immigrant Visa

- Immigration Processing and Filling Assistance

- Test preparation and processing assistance for NCLEX and English language exam

- Cost of 1 take of NCLEX, IELTS / OET / PTE, and Visa Screen to be reimbursed by the employer

- Relocation Support (1-way flight to the U.S., arrival bonus, free 1-month accommodation and more)

- Family / Dependent Migration Support.

- Free Medical Insurance

- Annual Leave

- U.S. Citizenship Eligibility after 5 years

- 3-Year contract

- No placement or Processing fee

QUALIFICATIONS

- At least 2 years of bedside experience in a hospital or acute care setting

- Must be currently employed

- NCLEX passers only

APPLY NOW

- Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/AbbaVSHRNs or https://bit.ly/AbbaVSHRNs.

- Send your CV to vsh@abba.ph and wait for a Recruitment Officer to get in touch with you

EMPLOYER DESCRIPTION

- Placement through a Direct Hire setting in various U.S. states.

- Recruited thousands of professionals on E.B.-3 immigrant visa.

- Has 7 offices in 4 different continents, the newest of which is located in the Philippines.

GOT A QUESTION?

Contact Angel through +63917-305 6261

ABBA Personnel Services Inc.

Upper Ground Floor 01 / 02 Pioneer Highlands

Pioneer St. near cor. EDSA

Mandaluyong City 1550 Philippines

DMW LICENSE: DMW-357-LB-05232024-R-AOE. NO FEES TO BE COLLECTED. BEWARE OF ILLEGAL RECRUITERS. JOB ACCREDITATION NO. 10414222.