Tell me more about the process and USA Immigration

The State Department has been bombarded with questions from everyone wanting to move to the USA. In short, the EB3 (Employment-based 3d category) visa is for anyone with a Bachelor’s degree or less who wants to go to the USA. At the moment nurses and physios have been in the EB3 category since November 1, 2006. They used to be in the EX category specifically created to benefit nurses and physios and put their cases on the expedited track due to shortage of these professionals in the USA. If the new law is passed (please see below), then nurses and physios will be moved from the EB3 category to EX category. This will be a tremendous step in bringing overseas nurses and physios to the USA.

We have an email which has been worded in a less complicated manner on the update of retrogression. We are now waiting for the bill to be approved very soon.

A Permanent Resident Card, popularly referred to as a 'Green Card', is required as proof that the holder has permission to reside and work in the United States. A permanent resident is required to carry identification at all times, however a citizen of the United States is not. A Green Card enables direct family members to accompany them to the USA and in turn allows eg the spouse to work, children to attend schools etc. Further details will be available to you upon completion of your immigration form.

Catto International works directly with a US based immigration attorney, to help our candidates quickly complete the Green Card process upon job offer. Job offers are made directly by the employing hospital.

It takes around one year to obtain permanent resident approval. Any family members who are included on the application can slow the process down by two to three months.

The time taken to process a residence application will vary from state to state. California for example tends to take approximately one and a half years until the process is complete and you are able to work.

A Green Card is valid for ten years from the date of issue.

you remain in the USA for five years less 90 days, you will become eligible to apply for naturalization, making you a full citizen of the United States.

A naturalized US citizen may, depending on state of residence, participate in the US political system. They are also protected when abroad through embassies and consulates, and are allowed to reside in the United States and certain territories without any immigration requirements. Citizens are also liable for jury service, and to pay tax on their worldwide income.

When you receive naturalization, any children who are under the age of 18, will automatically become US citizens.

If you are being sponsored on a Green Card you can add details of your spouse and this means that he / she can work in any role in the USA.

No. Only if you marry them about 85% into the immigration process.

Unfortunately not. USA immigration does not recognise same sex marriages.

Children under the age of 21 years, at the point of exit interview, and spouses are covered by the immigration process.

Careful consideration should be taken for children above the age of 12 years as the Scottish secondary school system is very similar to the USA however the English system is not. Moving a 13 or 15 year old from an English school system to a USA school has previously proven to be exceptionally difficult due to major differences in the curriculum.

Catto International has been working closely on analysing frustrations of nurses in the programme. We have now developed a milestone system where nurses are aware of the steps involved. We will provide you with a link to the immigration website where you will be given a unique reference number. You can access basic updates at all times.

Never, never sell until you are at the final stages of the process. You should at least wait until you are NVC approved before putting your house on the market.