Moving to the United States as a nurse on an EB-3 visa is an exciting milestone, both professionally and personally. Many nurses we’ve worked with have successfully embarked on this journey, bringing their families along to start this new chapter together. If you’re wondering, “How can I make sure my family can join me?”—you’re not alone, and we’re here to help guide you through the process.
“Who is eligible to immigrate with me?”
When you’re approved for an EB-3 visa as a nurse, your qualifying dependents can immigrate with you. Eligible dependents are:
- Your spouse: They can accompany you to the U.S. under the E-34 visa designation (spouse of an EB-3 worker).
- Your children: Unmarried children under 21 years old can accompany you to the U.S. under the E-35 visa designation (child of an EB-3 worker).
However, caregivers, aunts & uncles, nieces & nephews, and grandparents are not eligible to come with you.
“What does it mean for a dependent to ‘age out’?”
One important factor to consider is that your children must be unmarried and under the age of 21 to qualify as dependents and immigrate with you. If your child turns 21 before they enter the US, they will “age out” of dependent status. This can complicate the process since they no longer qualify for an E-35 visa, and cannot come with you.
However, there may be a solution. The Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) allows some children to maintain their status as a dependent under specific circumstances, in a way “freezing” their age on the visa petition. CSPA calculates a child’s “CSPA age” by subtracting the visa petition processing time from their biological age at the time of visa availability. If you’re concerned about your child aging out, our team at Interstaff can help clarify this complex process and guide you through available options.
“Can my family go to school and work in the US?”
Your spouse will be granted a work authorization with the appropriate application.
Your children will also be granted a work authorization with the appropriate application, and the minimum legal working age will depend on the US state where you are placed. Typically, they are allowed to begin working at some point between the ages of 14 and 16 years old.
Your children will also attend school. In the United States, education is mandatory until around the age of 18 or upon completing Kindergarten (year 0) through 12th grade (year 12).
At Interstaff, our commitment extends beyond nurses. We assist with the immigration and work authorization paperwork for all eligible dependents when they travel to the U.S. at the same time as you, making the process smoother for your entire family.
“Can I bring my dependents to the US later?”
Some nurses may prefer to relocate to the US first and have their dependents join them later, typically to get acclimated in their home and new role first. While this option is possible, keep in mind that Interstaff’s services with paperwork extend only to dependents immigrating at the same time as you.
If your family chooses to join you later, you will need to handle their immigration process and paperwork independently. This will include gathering the necessary documentation and setting up the necessary appointments and interviews. Our team can offer guidance about how to complete these steps, but we cannot complete them for you.
Interstaff Supports You
At Interstaff, we understand how important this step is for you and your loved ones, which is why we’re committed to ensuring the immigration process is as seamless as possible.
If you have any questions about bringing your family with you or need more details about documentation and requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team – email your Processing Officer directly, or email us at support@interstaffinc.com. Together, we can make your transition to life in the U.S. an exciting and rewarding experience for you and your family.
Start your career and bring your loved ones closer to your dreams—Interstaff is here to help.
