Canadian student studying nursing in Michigan

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Hi everyone,

I'm currently living in Canada, and I am in the last year of my nursing program at Henry Ford CC (I commute back and forth). I will be graduating in December and getting my Associate Degree in Nursing. I will then apply for the NCLEX-RN exam and hopefully pass in order to become licensed in Michigan. A friend of mine recently told me that the American border will not allow me to work in Michigan unless I have a BSN, and that my ADN will not be enough even if I'm licensed in Michigan. Is this true? I'm wondering if there are any Canadians, who obtained a nursing degree in Michigan, that can help me with this.

Thank you

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Specializes in Cardiac/Neuro Stepdown.

I am a Canadian with a US ADN, from my research and i checked with a lawyer a while back you should be OK on a nafta TN visa. The stipulation is that you are licensed, no mention of degree type.

North American Free Trade Agreement

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I can tell you that is not true! I graduated last year from an ADN program in mi, passed the nclex, and now work for the DMC. Just make sure when you get your mi license, apply asap for the visa screen. You need that along with a letter with your job offer & job specifics. Bring those along with your diploma and passport to the border. Pay your fee and they'll issue your TN visa. Hope this helps :)

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Specializes in Cardiac/Neuro Stepdown.

How long did it take to get your visa screen?

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Thank you so much, you have NO idea how good this is to hear. I'm in nursing school living with my fiancée and I'm meeting my lawyer next week to figure out our next steps. Either get married or apply for a work visa/ or TN visa (no idea what it is). We just want to do whatever will get me working faster! thank you!!

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How long did it take to get your visa screen?

I applied in November and received the visa screen certificate in January. The visa screen is the main thing because you have to send out forms to your school for them to release your transcripts & verify your courses.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

If you are a Canadian you can apply for a TN which allows you to live and work in the US. Requirements are visa screen certificate (once you have passed NCLEX) and a employer. Work visa (H1B) requires minimum of BSN or 12 years experience. If your fiancee is a USC then quickest route to get a immigrant visa is to get married which you are talking about doing

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I'm sure that is the same thing that my immigration lawyer will say :) just trying to secure a second avenue for the "just in case". Thanks for the advice.

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