Can't find a job on OPT

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I am a new grad I graduated in December, passed the boards in March and have been looking for work ever since. I finally landed an interview at a hospital in Brooklyn (my friend got my resume into Human Resources). However they did not hire me:no:. I thought it was because I am a new grad...However it is actually because I don't have a Green Card (my friend told me that is what the Human Resources Director said). I was really upset about this and I cried that night because the only thing stopping me from getting a job was a green card!! They don't want my OPT because it will expire in Feb...So What do you suggest I do as far as obtaining a green card then ultimately job?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It is my understanding if you do not secure an opt position in a timely fashion your visa expires and you must return to your home country. You need to check with the international students office at your school ASAP to determine what your deadline is for securing opt employment so you don't overstay your visa. Overstating your visa can get you barred from returning to the US for an extended period of time.

The wait for a green card can be 6 years or more depending on your birth country. It is unlikely a facility will sponsor an inexperienced new grad when there is an abundance of US Citizen and legal permanent resident (new grad & experienced ) nurses seeking employment that do not require the wait or cost of green card and/or visa sponsorship.

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As far as I know, you need to talk to your advisor at your school ASAP.

The period of umemployment/volunteering for OPT is 90 days. It has already been 90 days since you have not secured a job. If you are applying for a green card in the future, they can audit you and this could get in the way of you getting a legal status in the future (doesn't matter if you're going to go for an F1 visa again, but just the green card)

My advice is volunteer at a hospital. Min requirement for a full-time OPT is at least 20 hrs of volunteering or work experience in an area related to your field.

It is hard to find a nursing job as an International student, but you should look into nursing homes. I got hired in a nursing home and worked for 7 months in my OPT. I looked for other options while I was working and got a Canadian RN license.

Technically though, if you tell your advisor everything now, they'll say you're not using your OPT properly.....

You should look into volunteering, nursing home jobs or find out a way to go to grad school.

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As far as I know, you need to talk to your advisor at your school ASAP.

The period of umemployment/volunteering for OPT is 90 days. It has already been 90 days since you have not secured a job. If you are applying for a green card in the future, they can audit you and this could get in the way of you getting a legal status in the future (doesn't matter if you're going to go for an F1 visa again, but just the green card)

My advice is volunteer at a hospital. Min requirement for a full-time OPT is at least 20 hrs of volunteering or work experience in an area related to your field.

It is hard to find a nursing job as an International student, but you should look into nursing homes. I got hired in a nursing home and worked for 7 months in my OPT. I looked for other options while I was working and got a Canadian RN license.

Technically though, if you tell your advisor everything now, they'll say you're not using your OPT properly.....

You should look into volunteering, nursing home jobs or find out a way to go to grad school.

What happened when your OPT was over? So you left the US and went to Canada? Where are you now and do you have permanent residence?

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Hello PurpleDelight,

In regards to your interview at nym. Did Hr or the interviewers contact you afterwards? If so, how long after? I'd really appreciate a response. Thanks!!!

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