Nursing student from the Bahamas needs help...

Hello,

I will be finishing up by nursing education at a college in the US. Because of past education, I will be able to finish my degree in just 3 semesters!

I have studied in the US before so I am familiar with how to get an F-1 Visa. I am also familiar with the OPT training program. However this was before 9/11.

My concern is after graduation. I know can use the OPT for up to one year of training. I have a SSN, so I know I can apply to a BON to get an ATT to take the NCLEX and get a license after I graduate.

I also know I still need to get the Visascreen, But what happens next?

I have heard to stay way from the agencies and do the initial paperwork myself, but how do I find a hospital sponsor who won't take advantage of me? How long of an agreement will a hospital sponsor for the green card expect? How long will I have to work for them? 6 months, 1 year, 2 years? If I have to go home and break the contract, can I just pay the hospital there fee like people do when they take sign -on bonuses and leave? I hate getting locked into long-term contracts because I never know what will happen...


I am not from one of the PIC countries. I have read up on the retrogression but the wait period from my country (Bahamas) is relatively short.


I have read the stickies and threads. If anyone can outline the steps for me I appreciate it.

Thank you