Hi Everyone. I'm writing this follow up article so my fellow kababayan would know their pathway after passing NCLEX. For those who are Filipino our pathway is wait for our PD ( priority date) and right now , VISA BULLETIN PD is May 2014 which is a big leap from the slow movement. Moreover, I will give you a step by step guide on what you are going to do after accomplishing NCLEX.
First, while waiting for your NCLEX state passing letter or ID which will be mailed to you by the BON ( Board of Nursing ) which you chose to be registered do not waste your TIME, schedule for IELTS. For US skilled Immigration, nurses are ONLY required to get 7 in speaking and a total band score of 6.5 The sooner you do your IELTS the earlier you get an employer and the earlier you will get your VISA SCREEN ( which is a requirement for immigration purposes).
Second, once you receive your certificate of license from your state. Keep it for future reference. Pass the IELTS and as much as possible aim for good scores not just 6.5. Because remember that you still need to wait for your PRIORITY date to be current so might as well get OPTION B while waiting for your American dream. You can try to work in UK, IRELAND or AUSTRALIA. It would help for your credentials in attracting employers.
Third, once you pass your IELTS get an AGENCY or direct employer who can petition you so you will have a PRIORITY DATE. Why I say so, having the priority date is very important because this will serve as your ticket to USA. Some of my friends are lucky enough to have their PD even without IELTS yet. How so? They found a direct employer who filed a petition for them. As for me, I'm lucky to be part of it. My IELTS fee was reimbursed and my VISA SCREEN was paid by my employer too. Hence, I have saved a lot. For the IELTS it is $200, VISA SCREEN thru CGFNS is $540.
Fourth, once your agency or employer filed your petition they will be responsible for paying your petition fee which is 700$. Then all you need to do is to comply with their set of requirements. Agencies have their own scheme so I cannot disclose what set of requirements were asked to me because it differs from one to other. After that, wait for your vISA screen certificate and PD to be current. Then, you are ready to go to America after you successfully do your Embassy Interview and pass the set of requirements.
Fifth, most of the agency/ employer would ask you to go back to bedside once your PD is close to the current date so you will be oriented to the clinical setting. Then, just adhere to what your agency would ask you to submit so there are no delays.
Lastly, do not forget that everything happens for a reason so it needs patience for you to succeed. Nonetheless, IELTS , VS, or your state licenses and PRC have expirations. For: IELTS (2 years)
VISA SCREEN ( 5 years)
STATE licenses ( depends on which state you are licensed)
PRC ( 3 years )
Renew your licenses. Have your ALL your black and white READY. We all know that MONEY IS an ISSUE but there are ALWAYS means if you have the WILL.
