International Applications

NOTE: Due to protracted visa retrogression, the JHHS has temporarily placed the visa sponsorship program on hold. A Health System steering committee continues to monitor regulatory changes in the immigration process and the supply of RNs to determine when the program should be reinstated.

Step 1: Eligibility
Step 2: Application
Step 3: Selection
Step 4: Visa Petition
Step 5: Visa Instruction Package
Step 6: Visa Appointment Package
Step 7: Visa Received

Step 1: Eligibility

Applicants will generally be expected to meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered for the visa sponsorship program: 

Step 2: Application

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria may send us the following documents:

• Resume
• Copy of Nursing Diploma
• Copy of CGFNS certificate, CGFNS or NCLEX exam results, or valid US RN license*
• IELTS score
• Copy of Transcript of records
• Local Nursing Board Score

* In order to be sponsored for permanent residence, you must provide one of the following in addition to your educational credentials: a CGFNS certificate, a valid Maryland RN license, or evidence that you have passed NCLEX.

Step 3: Selection

To be selected, you must:

• Meet the minimum eligibility requirements under U.S. immigration laws.
• Pass the interview screen either in person or via telephone.
• Demonstrate knowledge and experience in the area of nursing specialty.
• Have good command of the English language.

Once you are offered a job, please submit the following additional documents:

• Your birth certificate and one for each dependent
• Marriage certificate, if applicable

Step 4: Visa Petition

Hopkins must have all documents listed in Step 2 before we can file the I-140 visa petition.

The application package is compiled and signed by senior Hopkins administration and legal counsel before submission to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

We will notify you by e-mail as soon as the papers are filed. You can also check your application status here with username and password provided to you by Nurse Recruitment.

What you must do at this step:

• Submit any additional documents and translated documents that may require notary public stamp as directed by legal counsel.

Important facts:

• Hopkins files most I-140 visa petitions within four months after the job offer—as long as all required documents are received and questionnaires fully completed.
• Your spouse and your children under 21 can be included in the petition.
• I-140 applications take about two to four months to decide.
• If you are already lawfully in the U.S., Hopkins can file your adjustment of status papers with the I-140 application—this must include the VisaScreen certificate.

Step 5: Visa Instruction Package

Once the U.S. State Department has approved your I-140 visa petition, you should receive the “Instruction Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants.” Complete these forms and return them to the office specified in the instructions.

Do not send directly to National Visa Center—this will delay the process. Everything must go through the designated legal counsel or through the Johns Hopkins International Nurse Recruitment Office.

Your case will then enter the queue for scheduling an interview.

What you must do at this step:

• Take NCLEX review class.
• Complete CES application and NCLEX application and send to JHH International Nurse Recruitment Office —JHH will submit the forms with payment.
• Inform Educational Testing Service and the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools that your CES report and your TSE scores are to go to the Maryland Board of Nursing (4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215-2254).
• Once the Board receives these and approves you as eligible, Pearson Professional Testing will send you your NCLEX bulletin.
• Complete the bulletin and return it to your international recruiter or you may make payment directly to Pearson—JHH will reimburse you.
• Once payment is received, Pearson will issue your Authorization to Test (ATT).
• Schedule and take your NCLEX exam (for applicants residing in the Philippines or departing from Manila, contact SEAPCI for assistance with airfare and hotel accommodation to take NCLEX in Asia).

Important facts:

• Most interview appointments take place three to four months after the case is decided.
• Cases requiring appointments outside the U.S. can take eight months.
• If you get married after submitting this package, contact your U.S. consulate as soon as you know the wedding date for instructions on how to add your fiancé/spouse (and any new dependents) to your application as a family member.

Step 6: Visa Appointment Package

The “Appointment Package for Immigrant Visa Applicants” confirms your visa interview appointment and instructs you and any previously identified family members on completing the required medical examinations.

What you must do at this step:

• Let us know your interview date as soon as possible so we can send you a job offer letter to be presented at your visa interview.
• According to new laws, you must bring your VisaScreen certificate and proof that you passed your NCLEX to the interview.

Step 7: Visa Received

What you must do at this step:

• Johns Hopkins Hospital candidates residing in the Philippines or Philippine nationals working abroad and planning to depart for the U.S. from Manila should contact SEAPCI for arrangement and instructions.
• JHH candidates from other countries should contact International Recruitment.
• Johns Hopkins Bayview candidates should contact Terry Bennett.

What You Should Do at Any Step:

• Follow up on the status of your VisaScreen, CES and NCLEX
• VisaScreen: +1.215.349.8767; support@ichp.org
• CES: +1.215.599.6200; support@cgfns.org
• Endorsement of license: cherylesmith@dhmh.state.md.us
• Please copy us on your inquiries to and responses received from these agencies so we can better monitor what may be required to assure efficient processing of your license and visa application.
• Notify USCIS, CGFNS and MBON of change of address and/or marital status
• Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services
  Failure of U.S. non-citizens to inform the BCIS within ten days of any and all changes of address is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment. The BCIS may also deport any alien who fails to provide notification of any address change.  You can notify the BCIS by downloading or completing online form AR-11.  Please contact the BCIS with any questions.
• Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools
  3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2665; fax: +1.215.349.0026; www.cgfns.org
• Maryland Board of Nursing
  4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215-2254; fax: +1.410.358.3530; www.mbon.org