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FAQs
Have a question? Find an answer.
The PassportUSA Program
How do I know that I can trust HCI as my partner in this journey?
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HCI is a founding member of the American Association of International Healthcare Recruitment (AAIHR) and a certified member of the Alliance for Ethical International Recruitment Practices.
Do I get to choose my assignment location?
Yes, you can choose your assignment location. During our matching process, we consider your preferences for geographic locations and clinical settings to find the best fit with client healthcare facilities.
What types of facilities do you place healthcare professionals at?
We place our healthcare professionals in various settings, however, most of our client facilities are acute care hospitals.
What nursing specialties do you accept?
We accept all nursing specialties!
How can I apply?
Apply through our website at www.passportusa.com/apply.
Do you charge fees?
No, we do not charge any fees.
What countries does Health Carousel International recruit from?
We recruit candidates from around the world. However, some countries have better opportunities for healthcare professionals to come to the US and much of this is based on visa availability for the country where you were born. Requirements include meeting US education and English proficiency standards and passing US licensure exams. If you're from a country with a healthcare professional shortage, contact our recruiters to see if you qualify.
What professions do you hire?
Currently, we're primarily hiring registered nurses. In the future, we may also employ physical therapists and medical technologists to meet evolving demands in the US.
Qualifications
Do I need a VisaScreen Certificate before applying?
No, you do not need a VisaScreen Certificate before applying. We will help you to obtain your certificate since it is required for your embassy interview.
I have gaps in my clinical experience, can I still qualify?
You should apply and schedule a time to speak with one of our expert recruiters. They will interview you and find out if your previous or current experience will qualify for our program.
Submit the application today to see if you qualify.
Do I need to pass the English Proficiency exam before applying?
No. We will help you in obtaining your Approved English Proficiency Exam.
I passed the NCLEX-RN exam, do my results expire?
No. Your NCLEX exam results will never expire.
If I failed the NCLEX-RN exam before, can I still apply?
You may still qualify. We have programs for those without their US RN License. Apply online today to see if you qualify. (https://www.passportusa.com/apply)
If I have not passed the NCLEX-RN exam, can I still qualify?
We have programs for those without their US RN License. Apply online today to see if you qualify. (https://www.passportusa.com/apply)
Immigration
How long will the immigration process take?
There is no definite answer to this question. Based on our 17+ years' experience with filing visa petitions, we estimate the immigration process can range from six months to three years, depending on factors such as the country you were born in, visa availability, and the completion of your required exams/credentials, and immigration requirements.
If I was abandoned by my former agency, can HCI recapture my priority date?
Yes! If you qualify for one of our programs, we will recapture your priority date and take over your visa application.
What is retrogression?
Visa retrogression refers to a situation where the demand for visas in a particular category or country exceeds the available supply of visas.
How do I know if my priority date is current or retrogressed?
You can check the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the US Department of State. The bulletin provides information on priority dates and whether they are current, retrogressed, or have remained the same. It's a vital resource for applicants to stay informed about the status of their priority dates.
What happens if there is a retrogression of priority dates?
Visa retrogression occurs when the demand for visas exceeds the available supply. If your priority date is affected by a retrogression, it means that, temporarily, your application may face delays in progressing to the next stage of the immigration process.
What is a priority date and why is it so important?
A priority date is assigned to you at the time your immigrant petition is filed with the US government. It signifies your place in line for visa processing within a particular category or preference level. Obtaining a priority date as soon as possible is crucial because it establishes your position in the queue for visa issuance. Due to annual limitations on visa numbers, certain categories may face significant waiting times. Therefore, the earlier you secure a priority date, the sooner you can potentially move forward in the immigration process and ultimately obtain your visa.
Can my spouse work in the US?
Yes. Your EB-3 Visa allows your spouse to work in the US.
Can I bring my family with me to the US?
Yes. You can bring eligible family members to the US.
Which family members are eligible?
Eligible family members are legally married spouses and unmarried children under 21.
Will you pay for my immigration costs?
Yes. We will cover the fees for your immigration including the visa filing.
What is a VisaScreen Certificate?
A VisaScreen Certificate is an official document issued upon completion of a comprehensive screening service. This service evaluates your credentials, education, and English language proficiency. It is a mandatory requirement for healthcare professionals applying for an occupational visa to work in the United States. Upon successful completion of VisaScreen, applicants receive an official International Commission on Healthcare Professions (ICHP) Certificate for the VisaScreen.
Will you file my visa petition without an active English exam?
Yes, we will file your visa petition even if you haven't taken one of the accepted English exams recognized by the CGFNS.
What kind of visa do you file for nurses?
We file EB-3 Visas for our nurses. This visa category leads to obtaining Lawful Permanent Resident Status, commonly referred to as a Green Card, upon arrival in the US.
Your Agreement with Health Carousel International
Does Health Carousel International offer a 401(k) match?
Yes, Health Carousel International does offer a 401(k) match as part of our comprehensive retirement savings benefits.
What is a 401(k) retirement savings plan?
A 401(k) retirement savings plan is a tax-advantaged investment account offered by employers in the US. It allows you, as the employee, to save a portion of your pre-tax income for retirement, often with a company match. Contributions grow tax-deferred until withdrawal in retirement.
What type of healthcare benefits does HCI provide?
Health Carousel International provides comprehensive healthcare benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Will I earn annual pay increases?
If you are in good standing on your US assignment, you are eligible for merit-based increases at your 90-day, 1 year, 2-year, and 3-year anniversaries.
Do I receive paid vacation and sick time off?
Yes. You will receive 120 hours of paid time off annually which is accrued.
Can I work overtime? What is the pay for that?
Yes. The pay is at least one and a half times your regular pay rate.
Is orientation paid at the same pay rate?
Yes. You will be paid the same as your regular pay rate.
Are my hours guaranteed?
Yes, Health Carousel International has an agreement with our client facilities to ensure that your hours are guaranteed.
How many shifts per week do nurses typically work?
Nurses typically work three to four shifts per week with an average of 36 and 40 hours per week depending on which unit you are placed in.
Are orientation and overtime hours included?
Yes. Orientation and overtime hours are included in your total working hours.
How long is my assignment period in the USA?
Your assignment will be 6,240 hours.
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Start Your US
Nursing Career
Turn your dreams into reality by taking the first step today. Apply to the PassportUSA program to connect with a recruiter.
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