Member Article

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) has approved a new credentialing organization for certain healthcare workers for immigration purposes. USCIS approved the application from International Education Evaluations, LLC (IEE), which went into effect October 25, 2024.

Requirements

USCIS requires that certain healthcare workers present a certificate from an authorized credentialing organization in order to work in those healthcare occupations in the United States. Regulations from the Department of Homeland Security expressly authorize the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT) to issue such certificates. These regulations also grant approval of additional credentialing organizations after consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Addition of International Education Evaluations, LLC (IEE)

Following consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, USCIS announced that it has approved the application from International Education Evaluations, LLC, as an organization authorized to issue certificates and certified statements for individuals seeking to enter the United States for the primary purpose of working as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses.

This provides additional acceptable credentialing options for RNs, LPNs and licensed vocational nurses that may be submitted for these healthcare workers in support of their nonimmigrant or immigrant petitions. For additional help with healthcare immigration questions, or any other employment immigration issues that you may face, contact a Dinsmore & Shohl immigration attorney.