[rhp123]

Originally Posted by suzanne4

If you applied for asylum, that is something completely different. You will need to speak with an immigration attorney on that.

No, I didn't apply for asylum, neither to Canada nor US. I have Canadian Green Card.

I'm thinking how things will change if I become a Canadian Citizen and get nursing education in US. What is the chances of working in the States? Will the Canadian Citizenship makes things easier for me?

[suzanne4]

Sorry, but someone mentioned something about asylum in one of the posts here.

With Canadian citizenship, meaning their passport, you can work on a TN Visa which makes things quicker. But there isn't really any issue for foreign nurses training in the US and finding work. Currently the OPT is available for those that graduate and gives one year to get immigration things taken care of, etc.

Not an issue right now, but I have heard of things possilby changing down the line.

[rhp123]

Originally Posted by suzanne4

Sorry, but someone mentioned something about asylum in one of the posts here.

With Canadian citizenship, meaning their passport, you can work on a TN Visa which makes things quicker. But there isn't really any issue for foreign nurses training in the US and finding work. Currently the OPT is available for those that graduate and gives one year to get immigration things taken care of, etc.

Not an issue right now, but I have heard of things possilby changing down the line.

Hi Suzan, Thanks for the answer. I have a question, What did you hear about things possibly changing down the line? Does it mean in the future they'll make it extremely difficult for foreign nurses, even trained in US?

[suzanne4]

I do not know any specifics right now, but I just heard that it will deal with the OPT, but I have no information on anything right now. It is just something being worked on in immigration. I have no idea even if it will impact nurses.

[Yichen5]

I just want to say thank you so much for Suzanne's responding to the questions!!! You know how frustrating it could be to study in us when English isn't our 1st language and all those possible needed applications for the new career start. oh,,, I'm new here. I'm currently taking RN associate degree and I'm going into 2nd year... and hopefully I'll graduate next Dec. and pass NCLEX. stress level sometimes gets so high.... esp. the fear of communication.
Anyways, thanks for being nice to answering those questions. that has helped me get some ideas!
Yichen

[Rabia2005]

Hello, Suzanne! Thanks for all the information that you provided here.

I am currently having F-1 status. I live upstate NY. I have been working in the hospital as a MHA for about 7 months as a part of my CPT. I have applied for my OPT, and I got it recently. I do have an employer who is willing to sponsor me (I am graduating this December with an Associate's in Nursing). My OPT time starts this December, as I requested myself, and I am willing to start as a GN right away. I interviewd for a position 2 months ago and it is available. The situation now is that the employer is trying to say that they will not be able to hire me as GN on a temporary permit till I pass my NCLEX exam, which is very disappointing to me, as if that happens, I will loose my OPT time and the opportunity to work and the experience which would help me tremendously in passing the exam. I would really appreciate if you could give me your opinion on my situation, or refer me to some source where I could find all rules and regulations regarding this matter, or maybe you just have an answer for me. Thanks in advance, Rabia.

[suzanne4]

It is the hospital's decision, they have that choice. No one can require them to hire a GN, some states actually do not permit it.

My suggestion is to get the NCLEX exam done as quickly as you can. The other issue is that if this facility will also do the petitioning for your green card, you must have passed NCLEX before they can even begin.

My own personal view on the temporary work permit, I do not like it. If you do not pass, then the facility has trained you and you have to back down to a different position until you do pass. It actually makes it easier for everyone involved that you pass NCLEX before you actually begin.

[nrswnabee]

hello...it's been months since i last logged.. i just wanna acknowledge suzanne4 for all the inputs she gave me.

i'm now on an f1 visa (from b1/b2) and have recently applied with the nursing program of the school i attend. i have only microbiology and anatomy and physiology to do next spring then i'm off to clinicals. by fall 2006, i will start with the nursing proper which will run for 4 terms and 1 summer. i have a a few questions:

1. when is the best time to apply for opt so i will secure it before soon as i graduate by May 2008?

2. is it advisable to use opt while in school or better in 12 consecutive months after graduation?

3. does the uscis determine the start date of opt or i request the start date on the document? i wish to have a june 2008 start date so there is seamless transition with the facility i plan to join.

4. is it advisable that i do my opt with a facility that can sponsor/petition for my green card? is it okay to mention this matter when seeking employment after graduation (on opt status)?

5. what exams/screens should i worry about (in what sequence?) after i graduate?

thanks...

[maro]

To answer your questions. I think you should wait to apply for OPT till at least 4 months before you graduate. Also, make sure you apply by sending the documents there and not online so you do not show things as I mistakenly did.

As per working while in school, you do not need to use your OPT , you can use CPT ( Curriculum practical training)... so not mind my typo cos I am in a hurry here.

Also, as per letting your employer know, you can let some know but play it smart with others... pm me if u need more advise...

Originally Posted by nrswnabee

hello...it's been months since i last logged.. i just wanna acknowledge suzanne4 for all the inputs she gave me.

i'm now on an f1 visa (from b1/b2) and have recently applied with the nursing program of the school i attend. i have only microbiology and anatomy and physiology to do next spring then i'm off to clinicals. by fall 2006, i will start with the nursing proper which will run for 4 terms and 1 summer. i have a a few questions:

1. when is the best time to apply for opt so i will secure it before soon as i graduate by May 2008?

2. is it advisable to use opt while in school or better in 12 consecutive months after graduation?

3. does the uscis determine the start date of opt or i request the start date on the document? i wish to have a june 2008 start date so there is seamless transition with the facility i plan to join.

4. is it advisable that i do my opt with a facility that can sponsor/petition for my green card? is it okay to mention this matter when seeking employment after graduation (on opt status)?

5. what exams/screens should i worry about (in what sequence?) after i graduate?

thanks...

[nrswnabee]

Originally Posted by maro

To answer your questions. I think you should wait to apply for OPT till at least 4 months before you graduate. Also, make sure you apply by sending the documents there and not online so you do not show things as I mistakenly did.

As per working while in school, you do not need to use your OPT , you can use CPT ( Curriculum practical training)... so not mind my typo cos I am in a hurry here.

Also, as per letting your employer know, you can let some know but play it smart with others... pm me if u need more advise...

-------------------
hi maro! i was doing 2 things while composing my post so i felt i didn't express my concerns really well..but hey, thanks for the quick response!~

so i will be applying for opt (to uscis?) before i end my last term in school... i suppose i have to do this through the dso, right?

i've long wanted to try cpt but i read somewhere that the time i will use for this purpose will be deducted from my opt (12 months)..how true/accurate is that? also, in the school that i attend, i was made to understand that i have to register with their 3-unit internship course (and pay tuition of about $900!) inorder to find work? is this the same as cpt? and since i'm not formally in the nursing program at this time, i will be an intern as a gen. studies student (clerical work/admin work). that's no problem except that i think it's not worth my time specially so if it (cpt) will be counted against my opt?

also, i asked if i can secure an ead (work permit) instead but the dso advised against it. she says that it can take up to 4-5 months and is given only if you are considered in dire need (extreme economic reasons). she says uscis asks for many support documentation (affidavits, etc.) and there isn't any guarantee that the tedious exchange will bring favored results.

what do you think? i think i want to pursue this ead as it will only cost me usd185 (instead of usd900). i believe i'm in dire need because my funds are really all going down the drain with the tuition fees raised recently, the ridiculous cost of books and just the everday expenses of being a student. it's insane.

i'll pm you soon...i just thought posting these queries could be of help to t others, too.

thanks again....