Laboratory Professionals Member Community

I reckon you have hit the nail on the head, mate. Just peculiar how they would publicise that there is a massive shortage of Medical Laboratory Scientists (or Clinical Laboratory Scientists). Yet, many US hospitals and private pathology services are rejecting qualified ASCP board-certified international applicants. If this is not absurdity, then I do not know what is.

I reckon you have hit the nail on the head, mate. Just peculiar how they would publicise that there is a massive shortage of Medical Laboratory Scientists (or Clinical Laboratory Scientists). Yet, many US hospitals and private pathology services are rejecting qualified ASCP board-certified international applicants. If this is not absurdity, then I do not know what is.

Hi Everyone!

In Line with the quesition raised, i think someone has to know whether his/her country is on the Red List of the WHO where   Recruitment Agencies are not supposed to recruilt Healthcare Professionals unless its a direct hire by the employing company itself or H1B visa/green card sponsorship for the case of the United States.

Johnmary Ssentongo, BSc, MLS(ASCPi)cm, Author

Kampala, Uganda

I reckon you have hit the nail on the head, mate. Just peculiar how they would publicise that there is a massive shortage of Medical Laboratory Scientists (or Clinical Laboratory Scientists). Yet, many US hospitals and private pathology services are rejecting qualified ASCP board-certified international applicants. If this is not absurdity, then I do not know what is.

Sher,

I am reposting my reply to you since this seems to be an issue for more than a few. I hope that you do not mind.

I usually am not on this listserve (too busy working).  Just hope that this helps you with next steps.

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Sher,

You said abroad, but I am guessing that you are speaking about the United States.  If so, my answer will be a basic one.  There are different types of visas used to come here and not all of them allow the visitor to work.  That is why you must have one that allows you to work.  The employer must verify that with the government. That is why the question is asked.

Also, there are specific visas that employers can use to recruit foreign nationals to work for their companies.  Tech companies often use these visas, but other industries do too.  However, they are very limited in number.  The company basically sponsors your immigration specifically to work for them and only them for a specified term (sponsorship) at the end of which you return home unless the company is able to renew the visa.

Most healthcare organizations that use this type of labor do so through recruitment agencies that specialize in foreign national recruitment.  These agencies usually specialize in regional or national recruitment (i.e., Phillipines, Eastern Europe, etc.) dependent on the type of jobs they recruit for.  All of the organizations I have worked for in my career use these agencies for that process. There may be such an agency in Pakistan.  Otherwise, someone at our embassy may be able to give you better information about the type of visas available to you and the requirements for working in the industry that you are interested in.

Good luck.

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Sheryl Stuckey
MLS_CM (ASCP)
Washington DC
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Years ago, I am one of those who came to the United States through working visa (H1B). It was sponsored by a staffing agency. I understand the sentiments and struggles of an overseas applicant as I have to complete English proficiency testing (IELTS), degree equivalency evaluation, US MLS certification (glad I took ASCPi), process Visa screening (CGFNS), medical, Embassy/Immigration (USCIS) interview, worked in various countries (Philippines, Middle East, and Singapore) to invest not only in laboratory experience but also a wider perspective, understanding and have a first-hand experience of diverse environment. (Not to mention another interview with the USCIS when I'm adjusting to permanent resident, and it didn't stop there- I have civics (US history and government) oral examination with the immigration (USCIS) before naturalization.)

During those h1b years, I have to secure for multiple state licenses since I worked as travel MLS.

So, yes there are staffing agencies out there and some facilities which does direct hiring overseas, meaning they do sponsorship either h1b or permanent resident. Note that even if the facility or staffing agency is willing to hire and sponsor you, they don't decide for your visa approval, all they can do is to file one for you. It is the ultimate decision of the USCIS whether to grant you one or not regardless of whether you are picked during the yearly h1b lottery or directly filed by a non-profit facility. One of the factors that may affect the decision of some facilities whether to hire an overseas applicant includes the rule, regulations, and requirements of the country of origin - there are some which requires a certain documentation that is not in accordance with the US facility regulations.

Someone already explained equal opportunity in accordance with the law and even if I will view this in a contextual or vernacular way, in terms of applicant - there maybe more than one who is qualified, more experienced, highly educated, multi-certified, state licensed, here and from other countries who applied in the same position.

Very Best,

Perry D. MLS(ASCP) SH

Laboratory Education Coordinator

Program Director - MLT Clinical Rotation

Years ago, I am one of those who came to the United States through working visa (H1B). It was sponsored by a staffing agency. I understand the sentiments and struggles of an overseas applicant as I have to complete English proficiency testing (IELTS), degree equivalency evaluation, US MLS certification (glad I took ASCPi), process Visa screening (CGFNS), medical, Embassy/Immigration (USCIS) interview, worked in various countries (Philippines, Middle East, and Singapore) to invest not only in laboratory experience but also a wider perspective, understanding and have a first-hand experience of diverse environment. (Not to mention another interview with the USCIS when I'm adjusting to permanent resident, and it didn't stop there- I have civics (US history and government) oral examination with the immigration (USCIS) before naturalization.)

During those h1b years, I have to secure for multiple state licenses since I worked as travel MLS.

So, yes there are staffing agencies out there and some facilities which does direct hiring overseas, meaning they do sponsorship either h1b or permanent resident. Note that even if the facility or staffing agency is willing to hire and sponsor you, they don't decide for your visa approval, all they can do is to file one for you. It is the ultimate decision of the USCIS whether to grant you one or not regardless of whether you are picked during the yearly h1b lottery or directly filed by a non-profit facility. One of the factors that may affect the decision of some facilities whether to hire an overseas applicant includes the rule, regulations, and requirements of the country of origin - there are some which requires a certain documentation that is not in accordance with the US facility regulations.

Someone already explained equal opportunity in accordance with the law and even if I will view this in a contextual or vernacular way, in terms of applicant - there maybe more than one who is qualified, more experienced, highly educated, multi-certified, state licensed, here and from other countries who applied in the same position.

Very Best,

Perry D. MLS(ASCP) SH

Laboratory Education Coordinator

Program Director - MLT Clinical Rotation