US House passes bill favoring high-skilled foreign workers

US House passes bill favoring high-skilled foreign workers

The United States House of Representatives passed this week a bill — House Resolution 3012 — which favors high-skilled workers by removing country-specific caps on immigrant engineers, computer scientists and other professionals.

"The Filipino Reporter" said House representatives voted  389 to 15 in favor of HR 3012  or the "Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act." The bill is also expected to pass in the Senate.

By eliminating the cap from each country on high-skilled working visa, talented immigrants from India, Philippines, China and other ther emerging economies can work in the US, the report said.

Sponsored by Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz of California, the bill promotes family unity for legal immigrants who want to petition their relatives, "The Filipino Reporter" said.

The legislation raises the country limit for family green cards from seven percent of a total of 226,000 to 15 percent, easing backlogs for immigrants from the Philippines and Mexico. -

GMA News

Failed schools’ closure to address nurses glut

MANILA, Philippines—The closure of 177 nursing schools that have failed to pass a single graduate in the nursing licensure exams will address the glut of some half a million board passers in the country, recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani said in a statement Monday.

Geslani was reacting to reports that Chairman Emmanuel Angeles of the Commission on Higher Education has warned 177 nursing schools for their miserable performance both in teaching standards and facilities needed for on-the-job training. Angeles also ordered the evaluation of schools that have passing rates below the national average.

Read the article>>  Failed schools’ closure to address nurses glut

177 nursing schools produce only flunkies, says exec

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) is closely monitoring at least 177 nursing schools in the country that have not had even one single graduate passing the nursing licensure exams in the last five years.

CHEd Chairman Emmanuel Angeles gave the warning in a speech to heads of colleges and universities in Metro Manila and nearby regions on Friday afternoon.

Read the article: 177 nursing schools produce only flunkies, says exec

Retrogression... there is hope. US might open hiring nurses again

US healthcare system pinched by nursing shortage

WASHINGTON – The U.S. healthcare system is pinched by a persistent nursing shortage that threatens the quality of patient care even as tens of thousands of people are turned away from nursing schools, according to experts.

The shortage has drawn the attention of President Barack Obama. During a White House meeting on Thursday to promote his promised healthcare system overhaul, Obama expressed alarm over the notion that the United States might have to import trained foreign nurses because so many U.S. nursing jobs are unfilled.

Read the full article: US healthcare system pinched by nursing shortage

Unemployed Filipino nurses to be tapped as "N.A.R.S."

The NARS (Nurses Assigned in Rural Service) Project was conceptualized to mobilize nurses to the barrios, in the same objective as "Doctors to the Barrios" program by the DOH. A Mindanao law maker wanted to expand the NARS program and mobilize more nurses, especially the unemployed, to be trained and work as midwives.

Read the full article: More jobless nurses eyed as rural midwives

Retrogression lingers... no new visa priority dates in Sep 09

After a year, the retrogression in Visa priority dates lingers. The latest update I have for September 2009 shows that visa numbers is still "U" (unavailable), for all countries it looks like.

Visa Bulletin for October 2008

Visa Bulletin for October 2008

Priority dates get moving again!

Notes for this visa bulletin:

EMPLOYMENT VISA AVAILABILITY

Item E of the May 2008 Visa Bulletin (number 118, volume VIII) indicated that many Employment cut-off dates had been advancing very rapidly, based on indications that the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) would need to review a significantly larger pool of applicants than there were numbers available in order to maximize number use under the FY-2008 annual limits. That item also indicated that if the CIS projections proved to be incorrect, it would be necessary to adjust the cut-off dates during the final quarter of FY-2008. The CIS estimates have proven to be very high resulting in: 1) the “unavailability” of all Employment Third preference categories beginning in July, 2) the “unavailability” of numbers for China and India Employment Second preference adjustment of status cases during September, and 3) the establishment of many October Employment cut-off dates which are earlier than those which applied during FY-2008.

Little if any forward movement of the cut-off dates in most Employment categories is likely until the extent of the CIS backlog of old priority dates can be determined. It is estimated that the FY-2009 Employment-based annual limit will be very close to the 140,000 minimum.

Updated visa interview dates from US Embassy in Manila

Have you applied for a visa for the USA? Below is an update of the Visa Interview dates for those with Visa applications for the USA. Please take note of the DATE of the file, so you will know if it has been updated since your last visit. Visa Interview Appoinment (US Embassy, Manila)

See the webpage: Waiting periods for visa interview
Download the file: Interview Dates* (updated: Thu June 15, 2006)

This will be updated as soon as a new list is published.
*File is in PDF format. You will need a PDF reader to open the file. I suggest you try Foxit PDF Reader

--== UPDATED!!!! ==--

Update [16-JUL-2008]

The US Embassy in Manila no longer provide an updated list for Visa Interview Dates, but however, they have a portal for applicants to check their Visa Appointment dates INDIVIDUALLY.

Please visit this webpage: http://203.177.135.10/ivappointment/login.asp

Information on Filipino Dual Citizenship

--==From the website of Commission on Filipino Overseas==--
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/dual_citizenship.htm

What is the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003? Republic Act No. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003 is a law passed on 29 August 2003 which grants natural-born Filipinos who have lost their Filipino citizenship through naturalization in a foreign country, the opportunity to retain or re-acquire their Filipino citizenship. Who are natural-born citizens of the Philippines? Natural-born citizens of the Philippines are those who are citizens of the Philippines from birth without having to perform any act to acquire or perfect their Philippine citizenship. These are: Those whose fathers or mothers are citizens of the Philippines at the time of their birth; and Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority. Is it possible for Filipino to hold dual citizenship or more than one citizenship at the same time? Before the passage of R.A. 9225, dual citizenship of some Filipinos already existed as result of the operation of nationality laws. For example, a child born in the United States of America of Filipino parents is an American citizen under US law, and a Filipino citizen under Philippine law. The child's American citizenship is derived from the principle of jus soli or place of birth, while his Philippine citizenship is derived from the principle of jus sanguinis or citizenship of his parents. The passage of R.A. 9225 makes it possible for Filipinos to hold dual citizenship through means other than by birth. With the passage of R.A. 9225, what happens to a natural-born Filipino who becomes naturalized in another country? A natural born Filipino who becomes a naturalized citizen of another country is deemed not to have lost his/her citizenship under the provisions of the said law. How does one re-acquire Filipino citizenship? A natural-born Filipino who lost his/her Filipino citizenship through naturalization in another country may re-acquire Filipino citizenship through the following process: For applications filed overseas For applications filed in the Philippines Does one who re-acquire Filipino citizenship need to reside in the Philippines? Residency in the Philippines is not a requirement for those who re-acquire Filipino citizenship. What rights and privileges is one entitled to on re-acquiring Filipino citizenship? Filipinos who re-acquire Filipino citizenship under this Act may once again enjoy full civil, economic and political rights under existing laws of the Philippines. Among these are: right to won real property in the Philippines right to engage in business or commerce as a Filipino right to practice one's profession in accordance with law right to acquire a Philippine passport right to vote in Philippine elections under existing laws other rights and privileges enjoyed by Filipino citizens Can one who re-acquire Filipino citizenship vote in elections in the Philippines? A person who re-acquires Filipino citizenship may vote in elections in the Philippines provided that he/she complies with the residency requirement under existing Philippine election laws. The person may however, vote overseas in Philippine national elections (for President, Vice-President, Senators and sectoral representatives) in accordance with the provisions of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003. The Supreme Court also ruled in 2006 that the dual citizens need not establish residence in the Philippines to be able to register as an absentee voter. Having re-acquired Filipino citizenship, can one hold public office in the Philippines? Yes, provided that those seeking elective office meet the qualifications as required by the Philippine Constitution and existing laws, and at the time of the filing of the certificate of candidacy, make a personal and sworn renunciation of any and all foreign citizenship before a public officer authorized to administer an oath. Those appointed to a public office shall make a sworn renunciation of the oath of allegiance to the country where they took their oath. What is the effect of dual citizenship on the payment of income taxes? Republic Act 8424 provides that only incomes derived from the Philippines are subject to taxation by the Philippine government. However, in 1976, the Philippines and United States of America signed a treaty on taxation in order to avoid double taxation for Filipinos who derive income from the United States and for Americans who derive income from the Philippines. Under this treaty, taxes paid in the Philippines may be credited in the United States and vice versa. The Philippine government has concluded similar tax agreements with 34 other countries including Australia, Canada, Japan, Italy, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Germany and Spain, among others. After re-acquiring Filipino citizenship, can one practice his or her profession in the Philippines? A person who has re-acquired Filipino citizenship may be able to practice his/her profession in the Philippines, provided that he/she applies with the Professional Regulation Commission (or the Supreme Court for lawyers) for a license or permit to engage in such practice. As a Filipino citizen, can one's spouse who is a foreign national live in the Philippines? An immigrant visa may be issued to a Filipino citizen's foreign spouse which entitles him/her to permanently reside in the Philippines. Said visa may be obtained by applying at Philippine Embassies or Consulates. The validity of the visa, however, is contingent upon the Filipino citizenship of his/her spouse. If a Filipino citizen chooses to travel to the Philippines with his/her foreign spouse and children, do the spouse and children need to secure additional travel documents from the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General beforehand? Under the Balikbayan Law, a Filipino citizen's foreign spouse and children traveling to the Philippines with him/her, do not need to secure other travel documents because they are entitled to a visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year, among other privileges. What is the citizenship status of one's children after re-acquiring Filipino citizenship? If his/her are unmarried and below 18 years of age upon re-acquisition of Filipino citizenship, his/her children are also recognized as Filipino citizens under Philippine laws and are entitled to the rights and privileges attendant thereto. What are required in applying for retention or re-acquisition of one's Filipino citizenship? Those applying for retention or re-acquisition of Filipino citizenship need to submit the following: duly completed verified petition (R.A. 9225 Form No.1) notarized oath of allegiance two (2) recent 2" x 2" colored photographs of the applicant (over white background) application fee proof as natural born Filipino citizen, an original and photocopy of at least one of the following: a. Philippine birth certificate; b. old Philippine passport; c. voter's affidavit or voter's identification card; d. marriage contract; and e. other documents proving that the applicant is a former natural born Filipino citizen photocopy of foreign passport photocopy of certificate of naturalization or an original affidavit stating how foreign citizenship was acquired. two (2) self-addressed and stamped legal size envelopes BI registered applicants, are also required to submit the following: original Alien Certificate Registration; and original Immigrant Certificate of Residence for Temporary Visitor If the applicant is also applying for his/her dependents, the following additional documents are required for each dependent: two (2) recent 2" x 2" colored photographs over white background photocopy of birth certificate photocopy of foreign passport proof of payment of application fee Note: All application must be fastened in a legal size folder. Is there a fee involved in re-acquiring one's Filipino citizenship under this Act? Fees involved in reacquiring one's Filipino citizenship under this Act are minimal, consisting only of the notarial and administrative fees prescribed by Philippine Embassies or Consulates, and the US$50 (for overseas applicants) or PhP2,500 (for Philippine based applicants) processing fee prescribed by the Bureau of Immigration. Is there an approval period for re-acquiring one's Filipino citizenship under this Act? Applications found to be sufficient and complete may be issued an Order of Approval the Consul General/Commissioner of Immigration within 5 days upon recommendation by the evaluating officer. For applications with insufficient supporting documents, the evaluating officer will inform the applicant that he/she has thirty (30) days to submit the required documents What are the terms of privacy insofar as submitted documents, records, information and/or application to reacquire citizenship are concerned" All documents, records, information and/or applications submitted to the Bureau of Immigration remain confidential. No information about any person or entity without the express consent of the person concerned. Helpful Tips: 1. Birth certificates can be requested for online through the NSO website, www.ecensus.com.ph. R.A. 9225 Form No.1 may also be downloaded from BI website, www.immigration.gov.ph, or the CFO website, www.cfo.gov.ph. 2. Contact information and addresses of Philippine Embassies and Consulates where applications for dual citizenship may be filed, may also be downloaded from DFA website at www.dfa.gov.ph. Oath of Allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines "I _____________________, solemnly swear (or affirm) that, I will support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines and obey the laws and legal orders promulgated by the duly constituted authorities of the Philippines; and I hereby declare that I recognize and accept the supreme authority of the Philippines and will maintain true faith and allegiance thereto; and that I impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily without mental reservation or purpose of evasion."

US Employment Based (EB) Visa Bulletin for August 2008

US Employment Based (EB) Visa Bulletin for August 2008


Employment Third Preference Other Workers Category: Section 203(e) of the NACARA, as amended by Section 1(e) of Pub. L. 105-139, provides that once the Employment Third Preference Other Worker (EW) cut-off date has reached the priority date of the latest EW petition approved prior to November 19, 1997, the 10,000 EW numbers available for a fiscal year are to be reduced by up to 5,000 annually beginning in the following fiscal year. This reduction is to be made for as long as necessary to offset adjustments under the NACARA program. Since the EW cut-off date reached November 19, 1997 during Fiscal Year 2001, the reduction in the EW annual limit to 5,000 began in Fiscal Year 2002

Note: EMPLOYMENT THIRD PREFERENCE VISA AVAILABILITY

Demand for numbers, primarily by USCIS for adjustment of status cases, will bring the entire Employment Third preference category to the annual numerical limit by the end of June. As a result, this category will become “unavailable” beginning in July and will remain so for the remainder of FY-2008. Such action will only be temporary, however, and Employment Third preference availability will return to the cut-off dates established for June in October, the first month of the new fiscal year.

PNA endorses stronger BSN program, wants practical nursing courses halted

Group endorses stronger BSN program, wants practical nursing courses halted
07/08/2008 | 07:55 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Nursing Association (PNA) on Tuesday endorsed the government’s move to strengthen the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program but opposed plans to institutionalize practical nursing programs.

In an interview, PNA national president Leah Primitiva Samaco-Paquiz said the group said that if school implement the curriculum embodied in Commission on Higher Education (Ched) memorandum order No. 5, which provides for an additional load of 43 units and related learning experience (RLE) for the BSN program, students may no longer need the services of review centers.



The RLE is the internship or hands-on learning education of all nursing students prior to graduation.

“With the competency appraisal 1 and 2, these institutions can now assess their students before they can graduate. These subjects are included in the curriculum so that right before graduation, students can decide whether they need help from review centers or not," Paquiz explained.

Paquiz stressed that nursing students “really don’t need review centers," saying that it is their school’s priority to mold their students in time for the examinations.

Read the whole article from GMANews.TV

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Nursing - A Recession-proof Career Choice

Nursing - A Recession-proof Career Choice

(ARA) - If you've always wanted a career in healthcare, helping people, there's great news. According to the Department of Labor, careers in nursing are looking better than ever, even with a recession looming. In fact, according to Yahoo! HotJobs, health care careers, including nursing, are "recession-proof" careers. Fortunately, with online education options, it's easier than ever to get a degree in nursing.

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