can LPN get F1 visa

suzanne4, RN · Jan 23, 2006

Your issue is that you are not going to be able to get a visa that will permit you to work in the US unless you have the RN after your name. Requirements for immigration are that you have a "professional" degree, and the LPN/LVN is considered a "technical" degree.

Whether you change to the F1 makes absolutely no difference. You cannot work with that, only the green card will permit you to work legally in the US, and immigration requires a Visa Screen Certificate, and that requires the RN.

devo123 · Jan 24, 2006

Many thanks for your quick response.

So then please advise me - when & how should I initiate the process to get in to RN program. Would my LPN give me some wheitage for RN. I think yes?

I will be finishing my LPN Jan'07. Reason why I was enquiring about F1 visa was - that way then I can do some in campus job part time on F1 and I will continue to do my RN.

Also, how about online RN programs. Are thes accredited programs? which is the best one.

Thanks again in advance!

Your issue is that you are not going to be able to get a visa that will permit you to work in the US unless you have the RN after your name. Requirements for immigration are that you have a "professional" degree, and the LPN/LVN is considered a "technical" degree.
Whether you change to the F1 makes absolutely no difference. You cannot work with that, only the green card will permit you to work legally in the US, and immigration requires a Visa Screen Certificate, and that requires the RN.

suzanne4, RN · Jan 24, 2006

Wait until you complete the LPN before applying for the F-1 visa. And you still need permission from immigration to work, when you are working on your RN, you can get the CPT while in school. The F-1 doesn't give you automatic permission to work. The F-1 actually states that you cannot work, except without special permission from immigration. If you try and do that now, it will take away from time that you can actually work while you are in your RN program. Plus, you will be in another school, so you will need to go thru the process again then.

Depends on where you are living for the bridge programs, best bet for you would be in actual setting, the on-line programs have much higher tuition.

If you get into a regular, traditional program, and get started with that, and get the CPT, then you may find a facility that will help with your tuition, and possibly pay for your tuition in exchange for you working for them full-time once you gradaute.

devo123 · Jan 24, 2006

Suzzane, I sincerely value your advice and immediate response. One more -

I am in Connecticut. My LPN should be over Jan/feb 07. When should I initiate my RN process (may be 6 months before LPN?) and how much time RN will take to finish?

Any contacts?

Many thanks!

Wait until you complete the LPN before applying for the F-1 visa. And you still need permission from immigration to work, when you are working on your RN, you can get the CPT while in school. The F-1 doesn't give you automatic permission to work. The F-1 actually states that you cannot work, except without special permission from immigration. If you try and do that now, it will take away from time that you can actually work while you are in your RN program. Plus, you will be in another school, so you will need to go thru the process again then.
Depends on where you are living for the bridge programs, best bet for you would be in actual setting, the on-line programs have much higher tuition.
If you get into a regular, traditional program, and get started with that, and get the CPT, then you may find a facility that will help with your tuition, and possibly pay for your tuition in exchange for you working for them full-time once you gradaute.

suzanne4, RN · Jan 25, 2006

I would wait until you finish your program for most RN programs. In your case, you can try applying a few months out before you graduate, look for bridge programs in your area and find out what their requirements are.