Nursing visa retrogression in the U.S.
Visa Processing Retrogression for Foreign Nurses in the U.S. is a visa shortage for nurses in the U.S. due to retrogression in the processing employment-based green cards for foreign nurses (since around 2006 or 2007).[1] While the number of nurses who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents without jobs increases in the U.S.,[2] there is still a shortage of nurses in some regions. The long-term outlook of nursing shortage nationwide is expected to continue and worsen in the next few decades.[3]
HR 1929 and HR 1933 were introduced to the US Congress in May 2011 aimed at relieving this retrogression. Both bills died before reaching the Senate.[4][5] (See also "Legislation" in the Nursing shortage.) The H-1C Visa Registered Nurse Working in a Health Professional Shortage Area as Determined by the Department of Labor classification expired 20 December 2009.[6]