NURSE Visa Act of 2024

This bill increases the annual cap for foreign nurses working in the U.S. from 500 to 20,000 visas, specifically for roles in areas designated as having nursing shortages by the Health Resources and Services Administration. It requires healthcare facilities hiring these nurses to maintain a documented provider-to-patient staffing ratio policy. The bill mandates that the Health and Human Services and State Departments issue implementing regulations within one year of enactment. This directly affects foreign nurses seeking U.S. work visas, healthcare facilities in shortage areas, and federal agencies responsible for visa processing.