Any business is tasked with problem-solving within its field. The healthcare space is no different, and at Shearwater Health, we pride ourselves on developing creative strategies to drive optimized clinical performance. However, some problems we face, like Visa Retrogression, are beyond our control to solve.
How Visa Retrogression Impacts the Immigration Process
The immigration process is lengthy, and it’s easy for individuals to be discouraged during their application. Our nurses are guided through the process, but patience is the best practice, as many factors and laws can delay the process. One that nurses face is Visa Retrogression, which occurs when the number of applicants exceeds the allotted number of visas given each year. When a petition is filed, the applicant receives a ticket in line for their priority date. When retrogression occurs, the only thing to do is wait. However, nurses who filed before January and February of 2023 (depending on their home country) can move through their application process with the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) until Case Complete. Shearwater works to file for our nurses so they can obtain the earliest priority date possible. This means when retrogression lifts for their Priority Date, they can schedule their embassy interview and arrive in the U.S. shortly after.
Shearwater Support for Nurses Impacted by Visa Retrogression
Visa Retrogression is a waiting game, but Shearwater strives to offer services to support the Nurses during this time. Despite a nurse being paused in their process with the government, Shearwater still works with them. Any nurse affected by retrogression maintains their relationship with their Immigration Specialist so we can move them through the process up to Case Complete or answer any questions for those waiting. Nurses who filed after January and February of 2023 may be paused in their process with USCIS. However, Shearwater still begins processing the Visa Screen Application and English Exam to ensure nurses are ready to progress when retrogression lifts. Additionally, Shearwater communicates monthly updates to all in-process nurses.
While Visa Retrogression can be a tricky process, Shearwater strives to help nurses through it and keep a positive attitude in realizing their American dream. Despite Visa Retrogression currently affecting the immigration process, Shearwater is still hiring and filing petitions, as usual, to ensure new nurses are receiving the earliest Priority Date possible.
