International Commission on Healthcare
Professions Announces Implementation of
VisaScreen (August 29, 1997)

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On August 25, 1997, the International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP), a division of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) announced that it would be accepting applications for VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment. VisaScreen is ICHP's program designed to meet the requirements of Section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRAIRA) of 1996.

Section 343 of IIRAIRA requires that certain non-U.S. healthcare professionals successfully complete a screening program prior to receiving an occupational visa, such as the H-1B, H-2B, TN status and Permanent Resident (Green Card). Screening includes an assessment of an applicant's education to ensure that it is comparable to a U.S. graduate in that same profession; verification that licenses are valid and unemcumbered; English- language proficiency; and, in the case of nurses, verification that the nurse has either earned a CGFNS Certificate or passed the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

On August 27, 1997, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) issued a Memorandum advising INS field officials that it is not changing its current policy towards uncertified foreign healthcare workers prior to the promulgation of regulations implementing Section 343 of IIRAIRA.

Since INS has promised to issue regulations as soon as possible, ICHP will continue to accept applications for VisaScreen. Due to the length of time it will take to collect all of the appropriate documentation to complete an application for VisaScreen, ICHP is advising applicants to review and complete the VisaScreen application and assemble the documentation necessary to process the applications. In addition, applicants are advised to obtain information regarding dates and locations for the English language proficiency examinations required by Section 343. Applicants must take either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Test of Written English (TWE), and Test of Spoken English (TSE) or Part 1 through 3 and the Oral Interview Section of the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). For information registering for these examinations, please contact the following organizations:

To request a VisaScreen application packet, contact: International Commission on Healthcare Professions; 3600 Market Street, Suite 400; Philadelphia, PA 19104-2665 USA; FAX: (215) 349-0026 E-Mail: ADMINI@ICHP.org

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Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists must take TOEFL, TWE and TSE.

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