INSIGNIA PATHWAY IMMIGRATION FUND (IPIF) GRANT
FAQs
Who is eligible for a grant?
Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible:
- Individuals who are not United States (U.S.) Citizens; and
- Are licensed as a Registered Nurse outside or within the U.S.; and
- Are eligible for a U.S. immigrant or non-immigrant visa; and
- Have, at the time of submission of the IPIF Grant Application, a U.S. visa sponsor/employer that is:
- a U.S. state licensed skilled nursing facility sponsor/employer based on the position of Registered Nurse (R.N.); or
- a staffing agency that will employ the applicant to work in a U.S. state licensed skilled nursing facilities; and
- Possess the required education to become a licensed R.N.in their intended state of employment; and
- Are committed to working as a R.N. for a U.S. state licensed skilled nursing facility for a minimum three (3) year period.
What types of expenses will the IPIF Grant pay?
Grant awards are given for costs associated with the R.N.’s visa process and transition to the United States. Expense types such as NCLEX Testing, Visa Screen, state R.N. licensure fees, legal fees (if billed to the R.N.), medical exams, R.N. travel and living expenses are most common. Awards will be granted up to a maximum amount as stated in the grant award email letter. Receipts are required to be submitted for items paid to third parties (e.g., receipt for Visa Screen from CGFNS/TruMerit).
Will Insignia Pathway reimburse my sponsor/employer for items they paid towards my immigration-related expenses?
No. The IPIF is intended to pay for expenses incurred by the R.N., not the sponsor/employer. If your sponsor/employer has agreed to pay or reimburse you for any expenses, you should not request payment for that expense in your grant application. The IPIF will not make payments to sponsors/employers or any other third party other than those listed in FAQ No. 2 above (e.g., law firm, Department of State, travel agency).
Is there a limit on how many IPIF grants I may be awarded?
Yes. An applicant may only be approved for one IPIF grant per visa. Applicants should submit an application for all categories of expenses incurred or anticipated on the same application. If the exact amount of an expense is currently unknown, provide an estimated amount based on your research. Applicants who apply for a new visa after working in the U.S. (e.g., work under a TN Visa but later want to pursue an I-140 immigrant visa) may apply for another grant provided they meet all grant criteria.
How will I know if my IPIF grant application is approved or denied?
If your grant application is approved, you will receive a grant award email letter detailing the amounts awarded, assigning a grant number and providing instructions on how to receive grant funds. Please use your name and grant number in all correspondence with Insignia Pathway representatives. You will receive an email letter if your grant application is denied.
How long does it take to find out if my IPIF grant application is approved or denied?
It generally takes 15-30 days for a determination on your grant application to be made. But the amount of time may vary depending on the volume of applications received. Insignia Pathway will do its best to process applications in a timely manner.
If I am approved for a grant and my sponsor/employer changes while my visa is pending am I still eligible to my grant?
Yes, as long as you will work for your new sponsor/employer in an R.N. position and your new sponsor/employer is a state licensed skilled nursing facility or a staffing agency that provides R.N. labor to state licensed skilled nursing facilities. In the event that you have a change of sponsor/employer, please notify Insignia Pathway in writing of the name, address and telephone number of your new sponsor/employer by sending an email to: contact@insigniapathway.org. Please include your full name and grant number in all correspondence.
Will my approved grant awards be paid all at once?
Not necessarily. Expenses are paid as they become due or after they are paid. Because the immigration process generally occurs over a several year period, award payments may be paid out over several years. If your grant application is approved towards the end of your immigration process, then payments may be made simultaneously. Your grant award email letter will contain details on how to receive payment.
If I am awarded a grant, is there a deadline to submit my requests for payment?
You must submit your requests for payment and the required supporting documentation no later than three (3) months from the time you arrive in the United States. A request for extension may be considered but will require approval by the IPIF Committee. All unexpended funds are subject to being withheld by the IPIF Committee.
I have questions that were not answered here. Who do I contact?
Please send an email to: contact@insigniapathway.org. If you have an approved grant, please include your full name and grant number in all correspondence. We will respond as soon as we are able.
Have a question?
Please send an email to:
Contact@InsigniaPathway.org