Proposed H1C program - Nurses for Medically Underserved Areas
Posted Jun 20,1999

Representatives Rush and Hyde have introduced a bill in the House of Representatives to establish a new H1C non-immigrant visa program for nurses. Unlike the previous H1A nurse program, the H1C program would require the nurses to work in locations designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas. Health care facilities employing H1C nurses need to have at least 190 acute care beds, and there are other requirements, including attestations that are similar to some of the previous H1A attestations and the existing H1B attestations. Usage of this category will be limited to 500 nurses per year.

Of course, as with any bill, there may be many changes before Congress agrees on a final version. Should the H1C program be enacted into law, the Law Office of Sheela Murthy will provide an update.