Illegal Immigration Reform And Immigrant Responsibility Act
Summary of Regulations for Section 343
On September 30, 1996, the United States Congress passed a law with direct implications for all foreign nationals currently in the United States in nonimmigrant and immigrant status. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRAIRA) in Section 343, requires foreign nurses, and some other healthcare workers, to meet additional credential requirements as certified by a method approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in consultation with other government agencies. This is a summary of the regulations for Section 343 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRAIRA), as published in the Federal Register, July 22, 2004, as they pertain to registered nurses. In an attempt to address your questions and concerns in the most efficient manner, the Duke Visa Services has used the question and answer format.
We begin by addressing the general requirements for nurses under the regulation. Then focus is placed on TN-related issues for registered nurses that are Canadian citizens. To conclude, we identify issues affecting those who have already applied for lawful permanent residence (LPR), or who are in the process of doing so. We understand that not ALL concerns can be answered collectively, but please read through all of the information below.
If, after reading this information, you are still unclear about the necessary procedures or your responsibilities in complying with the final regulations, email us at visahelp@duke.edu to schedule an appointment with an Advisor on the Medical Affairs Team at Visa Services. We will try to accommodate your schedule as much as possible.