Bill · H.R. 7351· House(119-HR-7351)
NURSE Visa Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 2/4/2026
- Last activity
- 2/4/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Donald Beyer
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "NURSE Visa Act of 2026," aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. It seeks to provide nonimmigrant status to nurses working in certain facilities. The legislation changes the number of available visas to 20,000 for those performing nursing services in designated shortage areas. Additionally, it requires facilities to have a specific policy regarding provider-to-patient staffing ratios. The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of State are tasked with issuing implementation regulations within one year.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make health care easier to get in general?+6
The bill increases the number of available nursing visas to 20,000 to address shortages in designated areas.
Would immigrants be better off under this?+5
The bill creates a pathway for 20,000 nurses to obtain nonimmigrant status to work in the U.S.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically targets nursing shortages in designated areas which often include rural communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Increased Visa Availability for Nursing Services: The bill increases the number of visas to 20,000 for nonimmigrants to perform nursing services in shortage areas as designated by the Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (Section 2, subsection a). This could help address staffing needs in specific regions.
-
Staffing Ratio Protections: The amendment requires that a facility has a policy in place regarding a provider-to-patient staffing ratio (Section 2, subsection b). This requirement could potentially ensure more consistent care standards for patients.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Specific Requirements for Employers: To qualify under this act, a facility must have a policy in place regarding provider-to-patient staffing ratios (Section 2, subsection b). This creates a new regulatory requirement for the facilities seeking to employ these nurses.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Urban Residents+3
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+6
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Pathway To Citizenship+4
- 2/4/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
- Introduced in House