U.S. trained ADN, Canadian Citizen-Greencard Q's

beausud · Aug 12, 2004

Hello!
I was hoping you folks could help me with some immigration questions re: U.S.
1. I'm starting my second semester of my ADN program. At what point do I apply for my Greencard?
2. Can I work with my OPT in the U.S. while waiting for my Greencard?
3. If I am working with my OPT, and the one year expires while I'm waiting for my greencard, can the OPT be renewed?
4. How long does the Greencard application process take?
5. I know this one sounds stupid, but my International Student Advisor brought this one up: After graduation, can I write the NCLEX even though I am a non-resident? (Sounds pretty stupid to me too.).
6. My goal is to move to the U.S. and begin working as soon as possible after graduation. Any suggestions as to how to best accomplish this?
Thanks so much!!

1) i think you can apply for your green card at this time. BUT if a company/hospital sponsors you, it'll be faster. maybe more cost efficient also; depending on your situation.

2) you need your NCLEX to work in MOST states as an RN in the US, UNLESS you work in a state that considers your license (RN) as equal i.e.: reciprocity.. for eg. North Carolina. you also need your TN Visa AND a Visa Screen to work in the US; you can get this "faster" than your green card.

3) ummm... what's an "OPT"? if its your license, check w/ your license bureau and find out how long its valid for; this is ususally a year. you can put your lisence in an "INACTIVE" status.. reactivate if you decide to come back; find out the finer details from your license bureau.

4) the greencard is a long process. i met an immigration lawyer once, he said that it would cost about 10G's.. depending on the paper work. you need a company/hospital to sponsor you.. it may be faster.. may save you some cash.. remember this is all in US dollars.

5) you can write the NCLEX after you have passed your boards, you dont have to be a US resident; as far as i know.

6) my advice to you is get your RN license, work in in a state that conciders your RN license as equal, i.e.: North Carolina.. there are others. write the NCLEX after you have had some experience... others have done the NCLEX right after getting their Canadian boards.. this depends on you. you can either work for a hospital or a travelling company. usually if you sign on w/ a hospital they'll give some moving expenses, but you have to work for them for a certain number yrs (2-3 yrs?). good luck.

Pab_Meister · Aug 12, 2004

Thanks beausud!

Just a bit of clarification, though:

No problem with my training being considered equal to a U.S. trained nurse, I am being trained in the U.S. (Buffalo, N.Y.)

O.P.T. : if you graduate from a U.S. school, you are automatically entitled to a one year work visa. This visa is called an O.P.T. (I think it's Optional[?] Practical Training).

Confusing, isn't it?

Thanks for your reply!