Another question - foreigner wanting to get US nursing education

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Hello,

I am new to this forum and extremely happy that I have found it. I have been reading posts for foreign nurses with US education and forgive me if I missed a post that will answer my question, but I have not seen any posts which describe my situation.

I have been living in the US for a long time and filed for labor certification in 2001 in New York for an occupation other than nursing. Since the filing of my application with Labor Dept. all cases have been referred to the Backlog Processing center and I do not have a case number yet. Meanwhile, the company that filed for me, went out of business. I am waiting to receive a 45 day letter and then don't know what to do. I spoke with a lawyer who told me that as long as my initial application was filed properly, I am considered "grandfathered" under that petition and can find any employer to file for adjustment of status for me for any position. I do not have an employer at the moment who would be willing to do that for me, therefore I am considering nursing, but if I receive a 45 day letter, the Labor Department needs to receive a reply within 45 days. If anybody knows anything about this process, I would like your advice.

At this point I am considering entering a nursing program this year, it is an ADN program and I can be finished with it within 16 months as far as I understand. I do have a SSN, but without authorization for employment. Can I use this number to take NCLEX Exam and get a licensure and then go through the CGFNS foreign nurse process? Or how does it work, please advise?

Thank you in advance

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Also, wanted to let you know that I am about to finish my associate degree in Health Information Management Program and doing my practicum right now. Planning to take my RHIT exam in the Summer.

Thanks

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What is your current status?

You need to be in status, because if you're considering nursing, it will take you 2-3 years, before you can file for AOS.

Yes, you can take NCLEX with your SSN.

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L2 expired in 1999, in April 2001 filed for labor certification, still waiting...

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The number that you have is essentially an ITIN#, that is a number but it is not valid for work.

Have you even applied to the nursing program as of yet? Have you completed the pre-reqs? The nursing program itself will be closer to two years unless it is an accelerated program. Every single nursing program in NY has a waiting list, not sure if you are aware of this.

Was this attorney one that does only immigration? How long ago has it been that this other company went out of business? You do not want to wait for that 45 day notification to occur.

Feel free to send me more information via pm if you wish.

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Suzanne, on my SSN# it also says, "not allowed to work without authorization". Is that ok, or do I need a new SSN#?

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You have the EAD, that is the authorization.

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You have the EAD, that is the authorization.

Oh, I thought you meant that you can't work with this ITTN period.:smackingf

I'm kinda slow today. Haven't slept all night.:bugeyes:

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