Australian nurse considering marrying US citizen

Silverdragon102, BSN · Apr 17, 2015

If you are a Australian citizen you have the option of using E3 to work in the US but you will need to meet state requirements and pass NCLEX. All states require clinical and theory hours on your transcript in Paeds, Obstetrics, Mental Health and Adult. If you are missing any one of them you will not be allowed to sit NCLEX

KerrieM · Apr 17, 2015

Thank you - do you know why they require such a diversity? I'm hoping to specialise in mental health and not even remotely interested in paeds or gyno (both specialist nursing areas requiring additional training here)...

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 17, 2015

US and Canadian nurses are generalist trained and as such all 50 states require clinical and theory in pedi, adult, mental health, geriatric, and obstetrics/woman's health

Fiona59 · Apr 17, 2015

Thank you - do you know why they require such a diversity? I'm hoping to specialise in mental health and not even remotely interested in paeds or gyno (both specialist nursing areas requiring additional training here)...

Because we care for the entire person. Psych patients can be children or teenagers or elders. They can have gynie issues as well. It's basic knowledge.

KerrieM · Apr 18, 2015

Australian nurses are also generalist trained - however, paeds and obstetrics are extremely specialist areas. By the sounds of this, I will need ten years experience (to accomplish at least two years experience in each area and time spent training for paeds and gyno) and a masters in midwifery(18mths duration of study) to be able to transfer. This sounds a little far fetched to me. I think I'll contact the hospital close to my other half's residence and find out what they require. But if anyone has information regarding the legal side of marriage and whether it's really necessary, that would be appreciated.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 18, 2015

It's not what the hospital requires but what the state board of nursing requires. I guarantee they require clinical and theory hours in pedi and obstetrics.

Consult an immigration attorney or the USCIS website for immigration requirements. If you meet BoN requirements and pass the NCLEX-RN you can secure your own work visa as an Australian citizen, I think it's an E3

ChunkyMonkey21 · Apr 18, 2015

Hello! I don't know exactly what the process is as it varies from state to state but here's the link to the Ohio Board of Nursing webpage:

State of Ohio Board of Nursing Main Page

You should find a set of instructions for internationally educated applicants. If the webpage doesn't have the info you're looking for just call. My understanding is that the Ohio BON may require your credentials to be evaluated (usually through CGFNS) to see if your education and license are up to par with US standards. The rest of the process aside from that is similar to any other nurse applying for licensure. Whether you even qualify depends on the findings of the credential evaluation service, of course. You can actually take the NCLEX in Australia before even moving to the U.S. if there is a Pearson Vue test center there. I am not 100% sure of exactly what process so be sure to use the link provided and talk to someone from the BON.

As far as whether you need to be married, I believe marrying a U.S. citizen can expedite the immigration process but overall that is up the the U.S. Dept. of Immigration. You'll have to look up their policy. I hoped this helps you! Good luck!