Canadian RN student - OPT now, TN later?

Published

Hi all! I've done a lot of research on this site and everything has been really helpful.:wink2:

I am a Canadian citizen (born&raised, passport holder), I have a BA from a Canadian university and I am an F-1 student in a post-Bachelors accelerated RN program in CT. I am graduating on Dec 7, and I have just started the application process for OPT. I am starting to think I waited too long -- my international advisor told me that processing times from the date USCIS receives my documents to when I have my EAD in hand is currently 5 MONTHS!! :( I plan to take the NCLEX in late Dec or early Jan.

A few questions:

1) My OPT approval from USCIS (i.e. my EAD) will probably still be pending during the holiday season. If I leave the US to visit family in Canada in December/January, can I still re-enter the US on my F-1? I am unclear about how the 60-day-rule would affect this (i.e. if I leave the US during this time while I am waiting for my EAD to be approved, can I get back in the country?)

2) Once I take the NCLEX, pass it and get my license (early Jan), I will probably not yet have my EAD. But, from my understanding I could then submit my VisaScreen and look for an employer, so I could then get my TN visa. Is it legal for me to pursue getting my TN while I am in the process of getting an EAD? How long does it take for a US-trained foreign grad to get the VisaScreen?

3) In your honest opinion, when should I expect to be able to work? February? March? OPT paperwork will be submitted this week. VisaScreen won't be submitted until probably early to mid January after I pass NCLEX.

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!

-H

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You can apply for VSC once you have passed NCLEX but you will need a employer letter for TN as well as VSC and takes between 4-6 weeks for a US trained to get VSC. Suzanne will probably be the best one to answer your questions on OPT but give time for people to read and answer your question.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Great thanks! I also have one more comment/question to add:

Any other Canadian citizen US-trained nurses in the same situation? Or have been in the same situation in the past? Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks guys!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion