msrclim

Just make sure that the name you submit to the BON is the same one that is on your legal documents, especially the one that you will be using for ID for the NCLEX. When you take the NCLEX, they will check the first and last names on your ATT and will match it with your ID. If they don't match exactly, they may refuse to let you take the test. This almost happened to me because I had 3 first names on my passport while the ATT only listed my first 2 names. Thankfully, after calling the proper person/office, they allowed me to take the test. Even if the BON application has only enough space for one first name, I suggest that you include all your first names when you submit your application.

Thanks a lot jakey!

Hi everyone! Does anyone know the website/link at the Manila US embassy where we can check the visa appointment schedules? I remember accessing this link before (you type in your MNL number) but I can't find it now. Would appreaciste anyone's help. Thanks!

The I-140 and I-485, (assuming you meant I-485 instead of I-148) can only be applied together if the visa category for nurses is current and not in retrogression. A nurse cannot apply for adjustment of status (I-485) if the category is in retrogression. If the category retrogresses (visas run out) by this Oct 2006 as commonly expected, then nurses can no longer go to the US and do adjustment of status. They have to do consular process instead with the accompanying delays.

You might try applying to the small hospitals in or near your area. The big hospitals may be difficult to enter because of the age requirement. The problem is that many employers in the US require you to have some work experience in a big hospital, frequently specifying the number of beds the hospital should have. However, there are other employers that are not so exacting in their requirements. If your aim to to work in the US eventually, gain any work experience that you can obtain, even volunteer work is acceptable to some US employers. Don't give up. Good luck!

Category A is the group of workers who do not need labor certification before the work-based immigrant petition can be filed. These workers belong to occupations that are deemed to be in shortage in the US. Nurses and physical therapists belong to category A. The I-485 is the petition for adjustment of status. It is filed together with the I-140 if you are in the US already. However, it cannot be filed if the category A is not current at the time of filing. Even if you get a 6 month stay in the US, you can only file for AOS if the category A is still current, that is, there are still visas available for nurses.

If you were to go to the US today, July 23, and presuming that you have an employer willing to hire you, then the earliest time they can file your I-140 will be 90 days after, about Oct. 23. You can only do adjustment of status and file the I-485 concurrently with the I-140 if the schedule A is current at that time. It is expected that the schedule A category will no longer be current by October. So unless schedule A remains current past October, you will not be able to do the adjustment of status route and will have to do consular processing and wait for your visa in Manila. You can still take the NCLEX in the US if you wish. Just be aware that if the schedule A retrogresses before your can file the I-140, then you cannot do adjustment of status and will have to return to Manila when your allowed stay is over. The EAD is the work permit. The I-40 and I-485 (AOS) are submitted first (90 days after arriving in the US), then the EAD is issued about 2 months after the I-140/I485. I hope this helps.

It would really be best to apply to a state that will issue you a license without an SSN. Arizona issues a license after passing the NCLEX and after submission of the fingerprint card even without a SSN. I don't know which other states also does this. Hope this helps.

I applied and sent a completed application form to the Arizona State Board of Nursing. At about the same time, I applied for the CES with the CGFNS, indicating Arizona as one of the recipients. The Arizona state board sent me back the fingerprint card and the affidavit regarding why I do not have a SSN (about 2 weeks after application was received). I sent these back to them promptly. The CES report was issued about 4 weeks after CGFNS received all the required documents. The CES report was sent electronically to the Az board, and they issued my ATT within 2 weeks of receiving the CES report.So, it took only about 2 months from the time I applied and paid the fees with the Az state board until I received my ATT. I also had my IELTS result sent to Az board. I received my Az license within 3 days of taking and passing the NCLEX test. Hope this helps.

Is there any other state that has a ruling limiting the patient to nurse ratio at 5:1 like CA?

I was told by a friend who works in California that in that state there is a law/ordinance that limits the nurse to patient to ratio to 5:1. Do you know if any other dtates have a similar ruling?

Arizona is part of the compact states which includes about 20 or so states that have made agreements with each other to make it easier to endorse nursing licenses between them. However, I don't know how easy it is to do. What you need to do is to check out the nursing board website of the state that you are interested in working in and look at their requirements for nurses holding licenses from a compact state, if applicable, or from a non-compact state. I found the AZ state board very straightforward and prompt in their handling of my case. The most critical part is for you to apply and send all the documents needed for the Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Report because this is the one that takes the most time. Access the cfgns website for this service. Hope this helps.

Can the agency ( with whom I signed a contract with) file the I-140 petition on my behalf without any of the documents necessary (like my birth certificate, nursing education records and the like)? Is it necessary for me to sign any document in the I-140 packet before it can be filed?

Hi Suzanne. Couldn't find the legal aid website that you mentioned. Can you post it again? Thanks. Rita

All the reports in this thread have made me apprehensive. I signed a contract with a California based agency. There is no specific amount in the cancellation clause but the contract stipulates that I will reimburse then for any fees they may have incurred in sponsoring me or in helping me get licensure, etc. At the moment, only the contract has been signed and they have not paid for any fees. I have not sent any documents for the filing of the I-140. The CEO of the company, which specializes in nurse recruitment, has been generally upfront in his dealings with me so far. However, all the horror stories recounted here makes me wonder if I should cancel the contract at the outset and just try to find a hospital that will directly hire me. Also, the contract I signed was very general and did not specify the place and the salary that I will be receiving. Can I still cancel the contract at this point? Or can I ask the CEO to make a new contract for me? Please help.