B1/B2 to F1

[pcburn]

I'm here in US and recently passed the NCLEX-RN (CA). I am currently seeking sponsorship for H1B visa.

I am on a tourist visa right now and planning to change my status to F1 student visa with OPT. I will receive the OPT after I finish the computer course that I'm planning to take, it will take one year to get an OPT. Is this OPT would allow me to work as a nurse?

I've been asking agencies in CA since I passed NCLEX weeks ago but none of them provide sponsorship for H1B because of retrogression and no available visa right now.

My former co-worker arrived in CA in January of this year and she is on working visa H1B.

I need your suggestions regarding my status.

Thank you

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

I bet if the US Government would raid the SNF they would find a lot of nurses working under a fraudulent visa. They're all over the West Coast, you would be mortified how many are under H1b visas and were fresh out of school.

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

pcburn, In answer to your question, while I was still in my country, Madrid, Spain I got the ball rolling as they say. Furthermore, around the same time, I came to the states and began the process on becoming a US citizen which I obtained 1991, but thanks to the V.A. everything roll faster. I strongly believe that during that time we nurses were getting bonuses just to signed up with any given hospital, therefore it became easier for me to get my license, like everyone else I took my boards in N.Y. and began working as a RN,BSN, and finished my MSN in N.Y. as well. What I'm trying to say to you is don't give up, there's always a way to obtained what you want in this world I did it the hard way, but now a days with computers available to the general public, you can accomplish a lot more in less time. Please keep us up to date on your quest, until then receive a warm hug Ciao!

Romano**RN BSN,MSN

[itsmejuli]

Unquestionably, I would check with the V.A. hospitals & their Clinics, good luck in all of your future endeavors~

I am a US permanent resident and cannot work at any federal facility because I am not a US citizen.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

The rules have changed tremendously since 9-11 here in the states. The jobs that might not have required US citizenship prior to this day, may have changed.

I worked in the VA system (with veteran's preference) and I worked with several non-citizens and this was during the early-mid 90's too.

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

traumaRus, I agree with you, everything has change drastically since 9-11, it's a shame that we humans have to endure this changes. However, it is what it is, but where there's a will there's a way, I have always believe in that. If a person wants to work anywhere in the world and they are told that they can't until they become a citizen of that particular country, they should begin acquiring the legal papers immediately. Furthermore, this should be done prior leaving their own country, so when they go to that particular country to reside as a citizen they already have the upper hand. I consider myself very fortunate that I came to the states and became a citizen when I did, without having to marry or do it illegally. Moreover,while the legal papers were in motion, I learned the English language in Chelsea London, I didn't care to be another statistic, I strongly believe if you're going to reside in a country that is not your own, the least you could do is to learn their language out of respect. Lastly, I been a citizen since 1991 and I'm very proud of my accomplishments, not only by getting my citizenship but by being able to work and contribute to this country; and as a single father to demonstrate to my son, that in life if you work hard enough and you put your mind to it nothing is impossible. In conclusion, I wish all of you that are in this predicament never to give up, I live by one motto which goes as follows...

"NEVER ALLOW SOMEONE TO BE YOUR PRIORITY, WHILE ALLOWING YOURSELF TO BE THEIR OPTION"

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

Romano

I totally agree with you regarding don't give up a dream. But when I sit here and read the numerous posting from International nurses, they are not planning a back up plan. Instead they are putting all their time in coming to the USA.

From reading your posts, you became the best nurse and tried hard to learn English to come to the USA. What you did is make yourself a good candidate for immigration. You did not come to the USA on a tourist visa and extend your stay. You did not apply for a visa which you don't qualify for (h1b). I give you credit and it appears you are a great American and Nurse.

I think your advice to stay in your home country and apply is good, but what do say when many of the posters here are just staying at home waiting for permission to come to the USA without trying to advance their skills ( by gaining nursing employment) and or advancing their English skills. Instead they are trying to look for a loophole or influence congressional change.

Of course, do not give up a dream, but shouldn't there be a plan B?

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Yeah that irks me when people try to find loopholes to try to enter the US especially if it's illegal. Coming on a tourist visa secretly seeking employment (which we know most likely they wont get) in the hospitals etc.

Nobody should be spending their free time putting all their eggs in one basket because they're going to be very disappointed when they do finally come to the US and they wont be able to get a job because of their 1. lack of experience and/or 2. time lapse since they either finished their nursing or were licensed in their home country. Some just enter the profession for what they seem to think will be an easy way to immigrate to the US. Granted there are some that really enjoy the subject and really want to become a nurse while others plan on coming to the US soon after graduation and are heartbroken when they find out that they can't come due to retrogression.

It's really a complicated situation all around and not everyone is like this. There are some that really just want to stay home and work there, and that's if they're able to find a job.

[GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Med/Surg32RN, Evidently, we are in the same page, I totally disagree on those individuals that just take a boat or a flight without any plan in motion. For instance, I travel constantly in my actual position, and recently I found myself at the Miami airport with a 2hr. lay/over, I went in search of my favorite gum "Freedent" and I ask the lady behind the counter if they had the brand, she looked at me like I was from another planet, I then said what other language do you speak? and began speaking my Castillian to her, although I asked her what if I were a native American and couldn't speak your language, she replied with an attitude "I have more customers" as she motioned with her hand for me to move out of the way, I responded with "That is rude of you, and I feel sorry for the Americans that don't speak your language, and by the way we are in America you should have the decency of learning at least the basic, since you are providing a service at this establishment", I left with a sour taste and walked along the entire stores and everyone were speaking their native language not English. Furthermore, when I decided to come to the states I was already a nurse, I began as a nurse's aid,then LPN, RN, BSN, in my native country of Madrid, Spain, after my wife's death I decided that I wanted to travel and make a better living in the medical industry. In addition, my first visit to US, was to get a feel of the country, I visit the board of nursing and I was told that I needed to retake my NCLEXRN and prior to that take a couple of semesters in a nursing program. Therefore, applied to the University in N.Y. and got accepted, and payed with my own money the 2 quarters required to obtain my license. Moreover, while I was attending college once again, my 2nd plan went on gear as I noticed an add "Wanted Housekeeping lady for night shift" I walked into the building and I filled out an application. Long story short, I convinced the lady that I could do house cleaning she place me on probation for 2 weeks. Therefore, I was working the night shift cleaning offices in Manhattan while attending school during the day. Following this further, the day came when I was to take my NCLEXRN and I recall the lady at the establishment having a hard time understanding my British accent, which in turn made me laugh & calm my nerves. I passed the exam, then I returned back to my native home, to get my my final papers that were requested of me by the immigration office to become a citizen. I became a citizen in 1991, I returned back to the University in N.Y. and finished my MSN, while still working as a "cleaning office Man". Lastly, I'm a firm believer that any human if they put their mind and soul, they can achieve whatever their goal is. Life is not easy for those who sit on their laurels. In conclusion, this is the reason why I am proud of my accomplishments, I came to a country without knowing anyone, with the heaviest British accent heard, and when doors were slam at my face I didn't let that discouraged me,on the contrary it made me stronger and I placed in march plan B,C,and D,; and here you find me working in the profession that I'm so passionate about. Never let go of your dreams no matter how big or small,don't let them be overshadowed by the obstacles that you confront in the route of success.

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Romano, in Miami they don't require you to speak English, as long as you speak Spanish you're alright. Do I agree with it? Absolutely not! When my relatives first came to the US they learned to speak English and absorb the culture with out leaving their Cuban roots behind.

People must do things the right way. I agree, don't lose your dreams, but also have a back plan while your dream is on hiatus. You did the things the right and accomplished your dream and more. Kudos for that, but some people don't care if they step on others toes in order to get what they want. Which is a sad reality.