Immigration Q&A — May Visa Bulletin

IELTS for International Nurses

This episode focuses on one of the most critical milestones for international nurses pursuing their dream of working in the United States: passing the IELTS exam. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a required step for foreign-trained nurses seeking licensure in the U.S. But knowing it's required and knowing how to pass it are two very different things. In this episode, we hear directly from nurses who've been through the process talk about the setbacks, the breakthroughs, and the strategies that make a difference. EPISODE GUESTS Scott — IELTS Instructor and Managing Director of Swoosh English, a dedicated preparation academy helping healthcare professionals and other candidates achieve the band scores they need to work abroad. Lauren Del Mundo — A registered nurse from the Philippines who passed the IELTS on her second attempt.  Philippe Lorenzo Austria — A registered nurse who passed the IELTS on his very first attempt after just one to two months of focused preparation, immediately following his NCLEX success. Stan — Founder of Hurricane International, an online IELTS support community that has grown to over 7,000 members in under a year. KEY TAKEAWAYS * Know the Scoring System: IELTS uses a band score from 0 to 9. Most nurses need to earn between 6.5 and 7.5 in each skill — speaking, writing, reading, and listening — and overall. * Writing is the Hardest Section: It has some of the lowest passing rates of any IELTS component. Don't neglect it. Understanding the format is the first step to improving your score. * Consistency Beats Cramming: Multiple guests credit daily routines — sometimes twice-a-day sessions — for their success.  * Community Matters: Online groups like Hurricane International provide speaking practice, accountability, and moral support that can make a real difference. * Emotional Control is a Skill: One guest made the point that IELTS tests more than English because it tests your maturity and ability to stay focused under pressure. * Don't Go It Alone: Structured programs like Swoosh English offer study planners, feedback on writing, and guided preparations. CHAPTERS  1. 00:00:02 — Opening: A nurse's moment of joy upon receiving her IELTS results 2. 00:00:11 — Introduction: What is IELTS and why it matters for international nurses 3. 00:00:50 — What IELTS Actually Measures: Scott from Swoosh English explains the exam structure and band score requirements 4. 00:01:52 — Lauren's Story: What changed between her first and second attempt 5. 00:02:41 — Philippe's Story: Passing on the first attempt with structured, focused preparation 6. 00:03:33 — Building Community: Stan introduces Hurricane International and the power of peer support 7. 00:04:27 — The Hardest Section: Why writing trips up so many candidates 8. 00:05:01 — Lauren on Writing: How understanding the format transformed her performance 9. 00:05:48 — Philippe on Speaking: Confronting the section that scared him most 10. 00:06:16 — Stan's Study Routine: A disciplined, three-month preparation approach 11. 00:07:11 — The Bigger Picture: Passing IELTS as the gateway to your U.S. nursing career 12. 00:07:28 — Closing Encouragement: Final words from the full panel 13. 00:10:51 — Host Wrap-Up: A closing message on preparation, support, and persistence RESOURCES MENTIONED: * AMN Healthcare International: [https://AMNHealthcare.com/International] Start your journey to success in the U.S. today. Subscribe & Share If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America. Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June U.S. Visa Bulletin Decoded: What You Need to Know

This month's immigration show has a lot to unpack. The June 2026 Visa Bulletin has been released, and while movement was limited, our expert panel breaks down exactly what that means for you and what to expect for the rest of the year. Host Deirdre O'Regan, Senior Director of Recruitment at AMN Healthcare International, is joined by two familiar faces: immigration attorneys Mike Hammond and Chris Masiello, both based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Together, they tackle the most pressing questions from international healthcare professionals navigating the U.S. immigration process. Episode Summary This episode discusses the June 2026 Visa Bulletin. There was no movement seen across employment-based categories relevant to healthcare workers. Mike and Chris explain why this wasn't a surprise and why retrogression at the end of a fiscal year can actually signal something positive. The panel also covers the ongoing impact of the public charge rule, the visa ban, H-1b updates, pending legislation like JARA, and a wide range of audience questions on topics including aging out, embassy transfers, follow-to-join, and more. Key Takeaways * No Movement in the June Visa Bulletin: This was largely expected. The U.S. government overshot visa usage earlier in the fiscal year, and a slowdown through June–September is the natural result. * Philippines EB-3 Approaching Quota: The bulletin notes the Philippines is close to exhausting its annual allotment. Retrogression or unavailability is likely for the remainder of fiscal year 2026. But, this signals that visas are being used efficiently, not wasted. * Public Charge Rule vs. the Visa Ban: These are two separate policies. The visa ban affects approximately 35–40 countries. The public charge rule paused immigrant visa processing from around 70 countries. Understanding the difference is critical for knowing where your case stands. * Paused Countries — Attend Your Interview: For those from paused (not banned) countries, the recommendation is to attend your embassy interview. Cases receive 221(g) holds, but attending is still encouraged. * Banned Countries — Limited Options for Now: Unfortunately, the ban is expected to continue, potentially for the duration of the current administration. Attending an interview from a banned country is unlikely to yield results at this time. * H-1b Update: Since September 2025, a presidential proclamation has effectively made the H-1b unavailable for overseas workers unless an employer pays an additional $100,000 fee, which very few have done. A court appeal decision is expected within the next six weeks and could change this. * JARA Legislation: Still being actively discussed in Congress but passing immigration legislation — especially healthcare immigration — is extremely difficult. No imminent breakthrough is expected, though progress can sometimes happen quickly once it starts moving. * EB-3 Remains the Primary Pathway: Approximately 80–90% of international nurses come to the U.S. via the EB-3 green card. Processing for an I-140 is currently running close to two years under regular processing. * Premium Processing Caution: Premium processing does not move your place in the priority queue and is not recommended unless you are recapturing a priority date. * Child Status Protection Act (CSPA): If you have a child approaching age 21, the time your I-140 is pending can be added to their age before they "age out." Do not premium process your I-140 if protecting a child's eligibility is a concern — doing so could actually hurt you. * English Exam is Just as Important as NCLEX: AMN Healthcare International urges candidates to prioritize their English language exam preparation now, during this period of retrogression, so they are fully ready when the visa bulletin moves again.   Timestamps * 00:00:02 – Podcast introduction * 00:00:19 – Welcome and host introduction; International Nurses Day acknowledgment * 00:03:32 – Guest introductions: Mike Hammond and Chris Masiello * 00:04:00 – June 2026 Visa Bulletin overview — no movement; Mike's reaction * 00:05:12 – Chris's analysis: public charge rule, visa pause, and why movement stalled * 00:07:20 – Update on paused countries and the expected case-by-case review process * 00:09:26 – Dual citizenship and banned countries: can you move forward? * 00:11:05 – Embassy interview timelines and summer slowdowns * 00:12:35 – Switching embassies: is it possible and when does it make sense? * 00:15:13 – Follow-to-join explained: spouses and dependents joining later * 00:17:27 – Alternate visa routes beyond EB-3 * 00:20:29 – EB-3 processing timelines and premium processing explained * 00:22:14 – H-1b update: the $100,000 proclamation, ongoing lawsuits, and what to watch for * 00:28:42 – Aging out and the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) * 00:31:37 – F-1 visa holders: pathways to a green card * 00:33:20 – Embassy appointments for paused vs. banned countries * 00:35:12 – National interest exemptions for banned countries * 00:42:29 – F-4 family-based visa category explained (and its 20-year wait) * 00:44:39 – Will the date of filing chart move before fiscal year end? * 00:45:49 – CSPA criteria explained in detail * 00:49:11 – Projections for the remainder of fiscal year 2026 * 00:51:42 – Closing remarks from Mike and Chris * 00:51:46 – AMN Healthcare International requirements, application tips, and English exam preparation * 01:01:58 – International Nurses Day tribute video RESOURCES MENTIONED: * AMN Healthcare International: [https://AMNHealthcare.com/International] Start your journey to success in the U.S. today. Subscribe & Share If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America. Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Finding Your Nursing Family at Emory Healthcare

Discover what it’s truly like to build your nursing career in the United States with one of the nation's leading healthcare systems. In this episode, we go behind the scenes at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. You’ll hear directly from Emory's leadership and two international nurses, Edward and Felicia, who share their personal journeys of relocating from Ghana and finding a supportive, welcoming community. This is a must-listen for any international nurse dreaming of a successful career and a fulfilling life in America. KEY HIGHLIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS * A Welcoming Culture: Hear firsthand how new international nurses feel like family from day one, with managers and colleagues providing incredible support. * Magnet Designation Excellence: Emory Healthcare holds the prestigious Magnet designation, a symbol of nursing excellence that empowers nurses and ensures the highest quality of patient care. * Strong Partnership for Success: Learn about the powerful collaboration between Emory Healthcare and AMN Healthcare, which creates a seamless and supportive pathway for international nurses. * Diversity and Growth: Emory embraces diversity, pairing new nurses with preceptors from similar backgrounds, and offering many opportunities for professional growth and learning. * Life in Atlanta: It’s not just about the job. Hear about the active lifestyle Atlanta offers, from major sports and entertainment to the world's busiest airport, connecting you to the globe. CHAPTERS * [00:00] - A Warm Welcome: International nurse Felicia shares her first impressions and how she immediately felt like part of a family at Emory. * [03:05] - What Magnet Designation Really Means: The team discusses how being a Magnet-recognized hospital creates an environment of empowerment and professional excellence. * [04:26] - First Day Experiences: Felicia and Edward recount their first days, highlighting how their manager, Brittany, went above and beyond to make them feel cared for and welcome. * [06:12] - The Importance of Diversity: Nurse Manager Brittany Hubbard explains why international nurses are vital to Emory's success and how they enrich the entire team. * [06:52] - A Partnership Built on Trust: Dr. Shonda Harper details the strong, supportive relationship between Emory Healthcare and AMN International that helps nurses thrive. * [08:15] - Opportunities for Career Growth: Learn how Emory provides a space where nurses not only transition smoothly but also advance their skills and teach their colleagues. * [08:57] - Life Outside the Hospital: Dr. Harper shares what makes living and working in Atlanta, Georgia, so special. RESOURCES MENTIONED: * AMN Healthcare International: [https://AMNHealthcare.com/International] Start your journey to success in the U.S. today. Subscribe & Share If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America. Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Passing NCLEX — Insider Tips from Global RNs and Experts

NCLEX is more than an exam. For nurses around the world, it represents years of education, sacrifice, and hope. It is the gateway to working in the United States, and passing it requires the right strategy, the right mindset, and the right support system. In this episode of Nursing in America, we bring together a panel of NCLEX educators, review program leaders, and international nurses who have lived this experience firsthand. Their insights cut through the noise and give you a clear, honest picture of what it takes to pass. MEET OUR EXPERT PANEL * Shelley Luhning — Founder of NCLEX Education in Canada, offering online review programs for nurses worldwide * Paul Biluan — RN and founder of the Aspire RN NCLEX Review Course * Emil Gomez — NCLEX educator focused on helping nurses develop clinical judgment skills * Jay Padong — Co-founder of IPASS and lead NCLEX educator in Texas * Rachelle Olivar — President of IPASS, an agency offering structured NCLEX review programs * Holly Musselwhite— US nurse educator for AMN Healthcare International * Cornelia — International nurse now working in California * Nathaniel — International nurse based in Ireland who recently passed the NCLEX The episode opens with a powerful reminder: NCLEX is not just a licensing requirement — it is the defining milestone that unlocks your American dream. Nurses from around the world share what the exam means to them emotionally and professionally. As the host puts it, "NCLEX is not just an exam, it's emotional. It represents years of education, sacrifice, and hope." KEY TOPICS COVERED 00:49 — THE AUTHORIZATION TO TEST (ATT): WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Shelley breaks down one of the most important administrative steps in the NCLEX process,  03:33 — WHAT NCLEX IS ACTUALLY TESTING Paul and Holly explain that NCLEX is an entry-level examination. It is designed to test your readiness to practice safely as a registered nurse. Holly highlights a critical shift in the exam's purpose: * The focus has moved away from memorization toward clinical judgment * Nurses must now demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge in real patient scenarios * Orientations in US hospitals are not built to teach this transition, which is exactly why NCLEX assesses it before you arrive 04:37 — UNDERSTANDING NEXT GENERATION NCLEX (NGN) Emil and Jay provide an in-depth look at the Next Generation NCLEX format: * The exam uses the six-point Clinical Judgment Measurement Model[CD4], covering everything from recognizing cues to evaluating outcomes * Each exam session includes three to five case studies, with three being scored * Strong foundational knowledge of nursing concepts is essential   06:46 — HOW TO STUDY SMARTER, NOT JUST HARDER Emil outlines a two-phase study strategy that separates successful candidates from those who struggle: Phase 1 — During the Eligibility Period (6–8 months): * Open textbooks, attend review classes,watch our AMN Academy Next-Gen NCLEX prep videos [https://conneticsusa.com/resource_library_category/amn-academy/nclex-classes/], [LD5]and listen to podcasts * Build a strong foundation of core nursing concepts * Do not try to memorize specific answers because the format changes constantly Phase 2 — After Receiving Your ATT: * Shift focus to test-taking skills * Practice question banks daily until your exam date * Avoid locking yourself into a specific exam date until you have confirmed availability at your testing center 08:47 — DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE EXAM Rachelle speaks candidly about her own experience: she did not pass on her first attempt because she was not fully prepared. Her advice is not to underestimate NCLEX. The benefits of enrolling in a structured review program include: * Step-by-step guidance tailored to your learning style * AMN Healthcare International gives our international nurses access to educators who know exactly how to prepare you 11:28 — BUSTING COMMON NCLEX MYTHS Fear and misinformation can derail even the most prepared nurse. The panel addresses the most common myths head-on 15:26 — FINAL TIPS FROM NURSES WHO PASSED Cornelia and Nathaniel close the episode with practical, personal advice: * Cornelia: Her advice: "You really just have to focus and make time for your review." * Nathaniel: Recommends taking the day before your exam to fully rest because you have already done the work. And during the exam itself, stay calm and trust what you have learned. RESOURCES MENTIONED: * AMN Healthcare International: [https://AMNHealthcare.com/International] Start your journey to success in the U.S. today. Subscribe & Share If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America. Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Immigration Q&A — May Visa Bulletin

In this episode, we break down the May Visa Bulletin 2026 for EB-3 consular green card applicants, including priority date movement, visa backlog, and what the latest updates mean for your U.S. immigration timeline. We also dive into the latest immigration updates like travel bans vs. pause lists for various countries and how they impact healthcare workers, especially those on the EB-3 visa for nurses. Plus, we cover how to navigate real challenges—like rescinded job offers, using dual passports, and how the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) can protect your family. Understanding how the Visa Bulletin affects international nurses and your case, you’ll be better prepared, more confident, and ready to keep moving forward. Key Takeaways: The Reality of the Visa Bulletin: While the May visa bulletin showed no forward movement, it is still important to get your place in line and start the process. Demand is high, but the system is working. Stay optimistic and productive while you wait. Your timeline could change depending on the visa bulletin’s monthly movement.  Travel Bans vs. Pause Lists: The U.S. operates with highly specific rules for different regions. A travel ban halts interviews and processing for certain countries, while a pause list means embassies are still scheduling interviews, though they may request additional documents. Knowing where your country stands gives you greater control of your expectations. Driving Your Case Forward with Dual Nationality: If you hold passports from multiple countries, you have options. Dual nationals can often proceed under an alternate nationality to avoid delays associated with a specific country's pause or ban. Protecting Your Family with CSPA: Aging out is a common fear, but the Child Status Protection Act exists to freeze a dependent's age during government processing delays. Every case is unique, so consult an expert to ensure your family's future remains protected. Overcoming Rescinded Job Offers: Do not let a change in employment derail your dreams. If your job offer is rescinded, a new employer must file a new I-140, but you can often recapture your original priority date if your first I-140 was approved for over 180 days. You are capable and equipped to pivot and succeed. Strategic Financial and Processing Choices: Understand when to use premium processing. While paying to expedite is not recommended for banned countries, it can be an attractive option for those on a pause list who are close to becoming current. Chapters 00:00:00 – Welcome, introduction, and taking charge of your journey 00:04:21 – Breaking down the May Visa Bulletin and quarterly pacing 00:09:25 – Travel bans vs. pause lists: Understanding the difference 00:14:14 – How to use dual nationality to empower your application 00:15:52 – Navigating the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) 00:18:43 – H.R. 3648 (HWORA) legislative updates and predictions 00:31:17 – Current I-140 processing times and strategic upgrades 00:46:28 – What to do if your job offer is rescinded and recapturing your date RESOURCES MENTIONED: * AMN Healthcare International: [https://AMNHealthcare.com/International] Start your journey to success in the U.S. today. Subscribe & Share If you find this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow healthcare professionals. Together, we can build a thriving community of immigrant nurses in America. Powered by AMN Healthcare Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.