Relocating Made Easy

Children's Hospital offers hiring and moving packages for new employees moving to Central California to join the staff at Children's.

As a relocating new hire, you'll enjoy the following provisions:

• Credit for years of related experience in one's professional field.
• A sign-on bonus and relocation allowance is offered to new employees filling priority positions either part-time or full-time.
• A relocation packet is provided to new hires through two local real estate companies. Children's offers complete relocation services through these two companies regardless of whether you choose to purchase a new home or rent an apartment or a house.

Contact:
Recruitment Services
(559) 353-7071

Physician Recruitment
(559) 353-8173

From within the United States

Moving to a new city can seem like a daunting task. Children’s Hospital Central California offers some resources to help alleviate some of the stress.

Relocation Tools

Obtain California Licensure
If you currently have licensure in another state, you will need to have it endorsed by the California Board of Registered Nursing. You can obtain information on the following methods for endorsement:

• Online
• Mail-in
• Walk through process. Visiting the California Board of Registered Nurses located in Sacramento, CA. Here your application will be immediately processed and you will receive a temporary license. Though this requires a three hour drive to Sacramento from Fresno, it is the quickest and preferred way to obtain your temporary license. This license is valid for six months and will allow you enough time to obtain your permanent licensure by mail.

Transporting Your Household Items
You can choose to pack and haul your belongings or you can have a professional company assist you. Below is a list of professional moving companies. It is recommended you call around and obtain quotes.

• AAA Advantage Auto Transporters  1-800-233-4875
• Penske Household Moves   1-800-GO-PENSKE
• Nationwide Auto Transport  1-888-953-8998
• Mayflower    1-636-305-4000
• Armstrong Relocation/United Van Lines 1-800-283-0511
• ABC Moving, Inc./Allied Van Lines 1-800-266-2221

Temporary Housing
If you need a quick, furnished, convenient place to stay, look into extended stay hotels. Most of these types of hotels are designed to house the temporary or traveling individual. Some popular services are listed below. For a complete list, please check a local phone book.

All-Hotels
Hotels.com
Extended Stay America
Hotel Hotline

Picadilly Inn
(559) 224-4200

Marriott Courtyard
(559) 221-6000

Marriott Residence Inn
(559) 222-8900

Let them know you are a Children’s Hospital employee for special rates.

Permanent Housing
When it comes to finding new housing, the best place to start is online. There are numerous Fresno real estate agencies and apartment search engines that are available to help you find a home. Below are some resources to help you get started.

Rent

Apartmentlist.com

MyApartmentMap.com

MyCheapApartments.com

Rental Guide
1-800-277-7800

Apartments.com

The Fresno Bee Classifieds

Realty Concepts
(559) 490-1500

Buy

Prudential California
1-559-438-6300

London Properties
1-559-436-4076

Coldwell Banker
1-559-226-2811

The Fresno Bee Classifieds

Temporary Transportation
In the event that your vehicle does not arrive in California with you, you may need to arrange for temporary transportation. There are many forms of transportation available, including rental vehicles, public bus transportation and taxi services. Some popular services are listed below, for a complete list, please check a local phone book.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car
(559) 261-9221
Let them know you are a Children’s Hospital employee for special rates.

Fresno Area Express (bus service)
City Cab
(559) 228-8282

Phone Service

AT&T
1-800-310-2355
AT&T provides local, long distance and cellular phone service, internet service and digital satellite television service.

Gas/Electric

Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E)
1-800-PGE-5000
To begin services, call PG&E one week before you will need service at your new address. A deposit may be required to establish service.

Cable/Satellite Television

Comcast
1-800-COMCAST
Comcast provides basic cable, digital cable and high-speed internet service. You can establish service by contacting Comcast via phone or the internet. A deposit may be required for advanced features.

Dish Network
1-888-228-3836

Direct TV
1-888-877-2454

Public Utilities (Water, Sewer, Garbage, etc.)
Most apartment complexes provide water, sewer and garbage services with your apartment rental. However, some rental homes require tenants to establish service in their own name.

City of Fresno Public Utilities
2600 Fresno Street, 1st Floor
Fresno, CA 93721
1-559-621-6888

Offers the following services:

• Water
• Sewer
• Solid waste
• Community sanitation

To begin service, customers are required to present a valid driver license or identification card from California or another state, or a social security card. Employer contact information will also be requested.

City of Clovis Public Utilities
155 N. Sunnyside Avenue
Clovis, CA 93611
1-559-324-2600

• Prompt trash pickup
• Sufficient clean, fresh water
• Safe streets
• Reliable sewer service

To begin service, customers are required to present a valid driver license or identification card. A deposit will also be required to establish new service.

Driver License, Identification Card and Vehicle Registration

California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
6420 N Blackstone Ave
Fresno, CA 93710
1-800-777-0133

Driver License
If you are a visitor in California over 18 years old and have a valid driver license from your home state (where you live permanently) and are here for less than six months, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid. However, if you are here for more than six months and working, you must apply for a driver license.

In addition, all customers applying for an original Driver License or Identification Card must provide evidence of legal presence in the U.S. as authorized under federal law.

According to the DMV, to apply for an original California Drivers License you will need to do the following:

• Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
• Complete application form DL 44
• Give a thumb print
• Have your picture taken
• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the SSA while you are in the office.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence
• Provide your true full name
• Pay the $25 application fee
• Pass a vision exam
• Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass. A sample test can be found on the DMV website.

If you have a license from another state, the driving test can be waived.

To take your driving test, you will need to:

• Call a DMV office to set up an appointment
• Provide proof of financial responsibility
• California Insurance Requirements

Identification Card
To apply for an Identification card you will need to do the following:

• Visit a DMV office (make an appointment for faster service)
• Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)
• Give a thumb print
• Have your picture taken
• Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the SSA while you are in the office.
• Verify your birth date and legal presence
• Pay the $21 application fee

Vehicle Registration
Per California Law, if your vehicle is registered outside the state of California (i.e., in another state, country, province, territory) you must register the vehicle in California within 20 days of the date you establish residency or accept employment. The following are required to register any out-of-state vehicle:

• Complete an Application for Title or Registration.
• Submit your out-of-state registration certificate
• Submit your out-of-state title (If you have it)
• Provide evidence of the California Smog Certification
• Provide an odometer mileage certification (If your vehicle is less than 10 years old)
• Bring your vehicle to a DMV office for verification of the vehicle's identification number
• Pay the fees

Financial Institutions
The Central Valley offers numerous banking institutions that offer checking and savings accounts, credit cards and other financial services. Children’s Hospital Central California uses Wells Fargo and is a member of the Golden One Credit Union. Researching area financial institutions and finding one that fits your personal needs is highly recommended.

Wells Fargo
710 E Shaw Ave
Fresno, CA 93710
1-559-441-5128
1-800-869-3557

Golden One Credit Union
1-877-465-3361

Schools

Elementary and High School Education
There are a variety of school districts in Fresno and Madera Counties. For the school district nearest you, visit GreatSchools.Net . This comprehensive website has information you may want to consider when enrolling your child.

Higher Education
The Central Valley is home to numerous higher educational institutions. Whether you are looking for a vocational school, city college or state university, they Valley can offer the additional education you desire. Talk to your Recruitment Consultant for details on the Hospital’s policy for tuition reimbursement or visit the Your Career Planner web page.

From outside the United States

We are excited you have considered Children’s Hospital Central California as a potential employer in the United States. Here are some resources you’ll need to help make this transition as smooth as possible. You are encouraged to set aside adequate time to prepare for this journey.

Relocation Strategies Guide

Relocation Links

Commission on Graduate of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS)
Department of Homeland Security
Bureau of US Citizenship & Immigration
United States Immigration Support
Social Security Administration
California Board of Registered Nursing

Obtain Licensure
When a job offer is accepted by a foreign candidate and initiated by a US organization, the foreign candidate must start the preemptive process for relocation. In order for a foreign citizen to be allowed employment in the US, he or she must be seeking a position that has been listed as a North American Free Trade Agreement approved position, have qualifications as stated and begin the process for obtaining licensure.

Apply for Licensure
Through our experiences bringing foreign nurses to California, we have found that applying through the California Board of Nursing can be a lengthier process than other states. You could consider that you first obtain your RN license in Minnesota, and then later receive a California license through endorsement. To apply for your Minnesota license, download an “Exam application packet for Canadian RN by exam applicants” from the Minnesota Board of Registered Nursing website at or you may also call them for additional information. At this time you can also register for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX®-RN).

Register for the NCLEX®-RN
The NCLEX®-RN is the American equivalent to the Canadian RN exam. To register for the NCLEX®-RN please visit the testing website at www.pearsonvue.com/nclex or call Pearson VUE at (866) 496-2539 for more information.

Please note that the NCLEX®-RN testing format is computer based, therefore different from the Canadian RN exam. We recommend a thorough review before writing the exam. You can find an online review on the NCSBN Learning Extension website.

Once you have passed your NCLEX®-RN, you can begin the application process for your VisaScreenTM.

Obtain California License
If you currently have licensure in another state, you will need to have it endorsed by the California Board of Registered Nursing. Please visit their website where you can obtain information on the following methods for endorsement:

• Online
• Mail-in
• Walk through process. Visiting the California Board of Registered Nurses located in Sacramento, CA. Here your application will be immediately processed and you will receive a temporary license. Though this requires a three hour drive to Sacramento from Fresno, it is the quickest and preferred way to obtain your temporary license. This license is valid for six months and will allow you enough time to obtain your permanent licensure by mail.

VisaScreenTM
A healthcare worker certificate is required for certain healthcare professionals to obtain TN status. Three credentialing organizations are authorized to evaluate and issue these certificates. Nurses can obtain their certificate through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), Occupational Therapists from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT), and Physical Therapists from the Foreign Credentialing Commission on Physical Therapy (FCCPT).

The VisaScreen™ Certificate for nurses is issued by CGFNS to demonstrate that your credentials meet the U.S. government's eligibility standards for foreign healthcare professionals. CGFNS does an educational review, licensure review, English language skills assessment and in some cases a predictive examination for nurses. Applicants who successfully complete VisaScreen™ will receive a VisaScreen™ Certificate, which can be presented at the U.S. Canada Port of Entry.

You can apply for the VisaScreen™ Certificate in one of three ways:

1. Request a copy of the VisaScreen™ Program Application from CGFNS by mail or phone:

3600 Market Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651
(215) 349-8767

2. Apply online

3. Download a VisaScreen™ Program Application

The VisaScreen™ Certificate will remain valid for up to five years and upon that time, you must renew your certificate.

Work Authorization

TN Status
TN status is based upon an agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico known as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). To obtain TN status, you must provide the following at the U.S. Canada Port of Entry:

1. Proof of Canadian citizenship, which may be a short or long form Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, or certificate of Canadian naturalization (Canadian Landed Immigrants are not eligible for TN status).

2. A copy of your college degree and employment records which establish qualification for the prospective job.

3. Evidence of required credentials for the profession. Education credentials, licenses or other documentation must be provided in the original form or as a certified copy.

4. A statement that the purpose of entry into the U.S. is temporary, which may be set forth in the employer’s letter of support.

5. A letter from the prospective U.S. employer offering a job in the US.

6. A valid VisaScreen™ Certificate.

7. A fee of approximately $50 - $60 (determined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)).

TN status is valid for only one year, but can be extended annually.

H-1B Status
H-1B status is a temporary work visa for individuals working in a specialty occupation. Unlike TN status, the H-1B requires a 4-year degree or higher. H-1B’s are specific for bringing in professional level foreign employees to the U.S. Children’s Hospital Central California is exempt from the annual 65,000 H-1B congressional cap, therefore the H-1B may be the type of admission you desire.

For additional information on H-1B status, please contact Recruitment Services.

Permanent Status/Green Card
A Green Card, allows one to work at any job in the U.S., or one may choose to not work at all. The issuance of this “resident visa” allows the foreigner to reside permanently in the U.S. Therefore, those who wish to establish permanent residence, but who do not have relatives in the U.S., may do so on the basis of employment opportunity. However, when you have a green card, you are required to make the U.S. your permanent home. If you do not, you risk losing your Green Card. Traveling with your Green Card is acceptable, but it is recommended that you not leave the U.S. for longer than six months.

Please contact Recruitment Services or the USCIS for further information on obtaining a Green Card.

Extension of Work Authorization
Employees of Children’s Hospital Central California are required to have valid work authorization at all times during employment. It is the responsibility of the employee to ensure their work authorization is current. Recruitment Services will assist employees in extending their work authorization.

Extension Process
Recruitment Services will send monthly reminder notices, starting four months from the date of work authorization expiration to employees. At this time, you need to decide if you want to extend your work authorization for another year. Extension plans should be communicated to Recruitment Services and your manager/supervisor in a timely manner.

There are two ways to extend TN status:
1. I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker. File this form with the USCIS. It is highly recommended you have an immigration lawyer process and submit this petition for you. Please contact Recruitment Services for assistance in this process.
2. US Port of Entry. Extensions of TN status may be completed in the same manner your initial request was processed at the border. Please contact Recruitment Services for a letter verifying your employment.

All documentation permitting the extension of work authorization should be submitted to Recruitment Services.

Spouses/Children
Unless your spouse and/or dependents qualify for TN status, they will be granted Treaty Dependent (TD) status. Under TD status they will be unable to legally work in the U.S. If H-1B status is obtained, then your family members may be granted H-4 status with the same work restrictions as TD status.

Pets
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regulations govern the importation of dogs, cats, turtles, monkeys, and other animals. The U.S. government does not require general certificates of health for pets. However, because airlines sometimes require health certificates for pets traveling with them, you should check with your airline prior to your travel date.

Pet dogs and cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry for evidence of certain infectious diseases. If a dog or cat appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian might be required. In addition, dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to entry into the U.S. There is no rabies vaccination requirement for cats. Following entry into the U.S., all dogs and cats are subject to state and local vaccination requirements.

Please visit the CDC website for more information on the "Importation of Pets, Other Animals, and Animal Products into the United States."

Automobile
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), all passenger cars, motorcycles, multipurpose vehicles (MPV), or light trucks less than 25 years old imported for personal use into the U.S. on a permanent basis from Canada should follow this procedure:

1. Contact the manufacturer of the vehicle to request a letter, having them state if the vehicle complies with all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The letter from the manufacturer must identify your vehicle by the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

2. If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle complies with U.S. FMVSS, you have an acceptable letter. This letter along with your vehicle registration should be presented at the border. Customs will review the manufacturer letter to assure that the vehicle complies.

3. If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS, except for the speedometer, or headlights, you may have these components replaced at a dealer authorized by the factory to repair your vehicle. This letter along with your vehicle registration, invoice for the speedometer or headlight replacement should be presented at the border.

4. If the manufacturer letter states that the vehicle meets all U.S. FMVSS except for FMVSS No. 208 (automatic or passive restraint requirements) you WILL NOT be able to bring your vehicle into the U.S. on a permanent basis unless it is modified by a Registered Importer (RI).

5. If the manufacturer will not issue a letter for your vehicle, the only method to import your vehicle on a permanent basis is to contract with an RI.

6. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval is also required. You may call the EPA information line at (202) 564-9660 or visit them online.

For additional information, please visit the DOT website.

Social Security Number
A Social Security Number is important because you need it to get a job, collect Social Security benefits and receive some other government benefits. Many other companies you do business with, such as banks and credit companies, will also ask for your number.

To apply for a Social Security number and card:

1. Call or visit the local office:
5090 N West Ave
Fresno, CA 93711
(559) 487-5061

1052 C Street
Fresno, CA 93706
(559) 487-5391

2. Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5) online.

You will be required to provide original documents showing your age, identity and lawful noncitizen status (including Department of Homeland Security (DHS) permission to work in the U.S.).

You will receive your number and card as soon as the Social Security Administration (SSA) verifies your immigration status with DHS. Your TN status documentation will serve as proof of your authorization to work in the U.S. until you receive your card in conjunction with your TN status. This card will bear the legend, "VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION."

The following items can be found in the Relocation Strategies Guide:

• RN Licensure & Work Authorization Check List
• NAFTA Professional Job List
• State Nursing Boards 
• Local Area School Districts
• Higher Education Academic Facilities