Who are qualified to immigrate and work in the U.S. and what are the requirements?

Those who:

• Pass the CGFNS (to process INS application)
• Pass the TOEFL/TSE exams (preferably within 6 months of acceptance of job offer from employer)
• Have at least one year hospital experience

Documents required to process application: (2 sets of copies)

If I am an R.N. in the Philippines and I have not passed the CGFNS, how do I go about in applying for the CGFNS exam?

CGFNS exams for Nurses (Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools) is usually held three times a year (March/July/November) in the Philippines (Manila and Cebu). You may get the CGFNS application forms and handbooks from the Philippine Nurses Association, Inc. 1663 F.T. Benitez Street, Malate, Manila or send a written request to CGFNS Application Form, P.O. Box 109, Mandaluyong City (preferably self addressed stamped envelope). In the provinces you can inquire from your local PNA office for application forms and instructions on how to remit the form and required fee. *Completed application forms and fees MUST best sent directly to the United States at: CGFNS, 3600 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651 U.S.A. Forms and fees should be sent at least three months prior to the scheduled exam. For example, if the scheduled test is March 14, 2001 the application form and fee should be mailed not later than December 13, 2000. Follow instructions carefully and be sure to send clear documents to avoid errors. Currently, the CGFNS fee is $185.00.

The other requirement is TOEFL (Test on English as a Foreign Language) which is usually taken upon receipt of a job offer from employer (or earlier). It usually expires within two years from the time the test is passed. Application forms are obtained from I.S. (International School), University of the Philippines (U.P.) or Sylvan Learning Center. Exams are usually held and scheduled at Sylvan Learning Center located at 130 H. Dela Costa Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City, Metro Manila. The fee to take the exam is $110.00.

TSE (Test on Spoken English) can be scheduled and taken at the Sylvan Learning Center on scheduled dates only. Currently the exams are scheduled on August 26, September 16, October 21 and November 18, 2000. The fee to take the test is $125.00.

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What should I do to ensure passing of all the above exams?

It is strongly recommended that a formal review be scheduled to ensure passing all the exams. Self-discipline is the key. Self-review is good for some but not for the majority. Those who do the self-review are not properly prepared and usually take the test twice, thrice or more which is a big waste of time. There are quite a few review centers in Manila and major cities in the Philippines but PRN strongly recommends Kaplan Educational Center because of its reputation worldwide in the 98% - 100% passing. However, it is suggested that you maximize the resources of the review center to insure 100% passing. The scheduled review for CGFNS usually starts three months prior to the actual CGFNS exam.

You may get the Kaplan referral form from your coordinator or from Mary Ann Canlas by calling her cell no. (0917) 983 74 65 so she can give you details of the review class. For those who qualify we can refer you to a financing company. Please ask Mary Ann for the details.

For those in the provinces arrangements can be made through your coordinator for a group review that will include the transportation (airfare, seafare or land fare), review class, lodge and board (if desired) and other possible arrangements or needs of the group. It is suggested that applications for CGFNS be completed prior to the review so you can stay for the actual CGFNS exams after the review. This way you are more prepared for the exams and you minimize the cost of going back and forth.

The coordinator in the province should contact Mary Ann for details of the arrangement so Mary Ann can make the necessary preparation for the specific numbers of nurses coming for the review.

You have to make arrangements with your employer regarding this very important decision to review for the CGFNS as it will direct you to your lifelong goals in migrating and working in the U.S.

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How long will the processing of Immigrant visa take?

If all necessary documents have been submitted as scheduled, it takes 10 to 15 months to complete the process of sponsorship following the procedure of the INS in the U.S.

In the past, nurses are sponsored on a working visa status and takes only about three to six months. However, nurses are now sponsored as immigrants or under the category Employment Based Immigrant Visa (EB3) which is very advantageous for foreign nurses because they cannot be deported (since they are already immigrants). Also, if the nurse applicant is married, he or she can bring the whole family to the U.S. and the family can work legally in the U.S.

It is suggested that the nurse applicant maintain employment in the Hospital that he or she is currently working for economic purpose but most importantly to gain more hospital experience as it will be more beneficial in increasing the required employment experience.

Can nurses working currently in foreign countries apply for immigrant status in the U.S.?

Yes. They can submit all documents necessary for evaluation and take the CGFNS exams in the Philippines or in the country where they are currently working (usually exams are given worldwide but you have to find out from the local Board of Nursing where these tests are usually given). Be sure to inform the PRN office in the U.S. your current address in the foreign country where you are working so PRN staff can communicate as necessary.

Why should we apply at PRN instead of other agencies that are advertising in the newspapers and internet?

PRN is a solid and reputable company that is owned by a Medical Corporation in the U.S.A. The president of PRN, Lucy R. Babaran, is a Registered Nurse in the Philippines and the U.S. who knows the needs of foreign and local nurses. PRN has coordinators in various cities of the Philippines and has joint venture agreement with TPV Procare located at Suite C, 2/F San Antonio Building, 1595 Quezon Avenue, West Triangle, Quezon City.

Communications to PRN (U.S.A.) may be addressed to:

L. R. BABARAN
5345 De Roja Avenue,
Woodland hills, CA 91364
Mobile. No. ( 818) 395 9348
Tel No. ( 818 ) 992 6533
Fax No. ( 818) 704 7942
Email address: PRN20M@aol.com

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Why is it more advantageous to work in the United States compared to working in other countries like U.K., Middle East, Singapore, Canada and other countries?

All nurses (and other professionals) all over the world want to work in the U.S. because it is more prestigious to be in the United States compared to all the countries. Also, U.S. hospitals offer better benefits package, higher salary, and better working conditions. Nurses are treated with the highest respect and professionalism in the same way as other professionals like physicians, lawyers, and other respectable professions. Nurses in the U.S. are treated as special people with humanitarian roles so a special act of Congress was passed that treats the nursing profession as a class above all professions and makes them immigrants.

Nurses go to other countries only as a stepping stone to the U.S. because they do not meet the requirements set by the U.S. such as CGFNS. However, nurses should focus on passing the CGFNS in soonest possible time, as time is of the essence in migrating to the U.S. as a nurse. Eventually, this particular category will be closed (once the demand is filled up and there is no more shortage) and you will lose your chance.

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What particular state will nurses get deployed once sponsored by the employers of PRN?

Most of the nurses will be deployed in the States of California, Nevada and Arizona. However, other states will also be open for sponsorship as soon as formal agreements are initiated by PRN.

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