Considering Studying in the US -> Then going on to work? Visa Q's

Published

Hey there!

I am considering going on to study nursing (I am a UK student who will possibly be studying in Louisiana, if that's relevant) and have been reading up on the ease and practicality of continuing on to work as a Nurse following the completion of my studies.

At the end of the course I'd have a BSN and whatever relevant exams taken to become registered.

As a student under the F1 visa I'd be able to apply for 12 months to work in the US under OPT (provided that it is relevant to my studies...which it would be).

I was wondering whether or not that if I found an employer for this they'd then be able to sponsor me for a H1B visa for permanent work? Also how likely is it that I'd be approved for this (I understand that labor certification is not needed for Nurses).

I'm hearing a lot about 'Nurse Retrogression' I do not completely understand it, but, is this limited in only granting Green Cards? Or is it any type of visa?

Many thanks!

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

Retrogression is limited to immigrant visas and a lot will depend on what immigrant category you come under in regards job. Most nurses come under EB3 and depending on where you was born will depend on how badly you are affected. H1b is a specialised visa and finding employer at the moment will be hard due to many US nurses out of work plus employer has to pay costs and it isn't always cheap. Only having 1 years OPT may not make you marketable to go for H1b as usually expected to have specialist experience

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for your quick reply!!

I see, so the H1B visa would be a more realistic option (at least for the short term whilst I waited for a Green Card if that's what I decided to do)

You spoke of specialty, could you give a little more detail on this? Such as jobs (obviously nursing related roles!) which would qualify, and or experience that I could look into trying to acquire.

Again thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

ICU, OR, ER All have speciality exams, most if not all require 2 years or more of experience. H1B requires that all nurses have to a BSN as a baseline to be employed and the employer has to pay the fees. With so many US nurses unemployed most employers do not see a business need to pay the extra fees.

In the US many nurses are lucky to get a job in medical surgical, so finding a speciality job as nurse graduate with an OPT ( meaning you many have to leave after many months of speciality orientation) would be very very difficult.

So this means you will have go home and wait for your petition to be current ( and you must find an employer willing to wait for many years to employ you ).

Unless you qualify for a scholarship in the US you will find it very expensive compared to an education in the UK. Also I don't know if your BSN will qualify you to practice in the UK .

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Care.
Hey there!

I am considering going on to study nursing (I am a UK student who will possibly be studying in Louisiana, if that's relevant) and have been reading up on the ease and practicality of continuing on to work as a Nurse following the completion of my studies.

At the end of the course I'd have a BSN and whatever relevant exams taken to become registered.

Don't believe everything nursing schools tell you about the "nursing shortage". There's isn't one.

Its going to cost you an arm and a leg to go to school in the US.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion