F-1 RN Sponsorship (H1B/Green card)

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Hello,

I am on F-1 visa (OPT) and trying to find a job with H1B sponsorship. I have BSN and RN license in CA.

I know it is very hard to find H1B sponsorship now, but I read a news article stating that USCIS has updated the criteria, and now specialized nurse positions such as ER, cardiovascular, pediatric, period, or rehab nurses are eligible to apply for H1B. Here's the link of the article.

http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/us-citizenship-and-immigration-service-49934/

I understand that I still need to find a hospital that offers sponsorship. Does anyone know which state has the highest chance of getting sponsorship? For me it looks like New York has the best shot.

Also, if anyone knows a hospital or SNF whatever facility offering visa sponsorship, please let me know!!

TIA :)

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Not sure if NY has the better chance. If you read the NY state forum many nurses are struggling to find work both as new grads and experienced. Do you have experience and specialised in the areas you mention?

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

Are you an experienced nurse or a new grad? The memo clearly states that specialty training & credentials are required. New grad nurses aren't experienced nor do they have specialty training in the US

If you are thinking NYC metro area, you are unlikely to be successful as the amount of nurses seeking employment rivals CA. It's not likely that a cash poor hospital has the extra funds to pay for the costs associated with sponsoring an H1B visa especially if they have 100+ qualified applicants that don't require visa sponsorship for a single open job.

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I am a new grad. It just seems impossible to get H1B visa sponsorship, well can't even find a job right now..

I seriously don't know what to do. I was interviewed for several positions, but don't think they'll sponsor me. I didn't mention about my visa status yet because my OPT is good for another 10 months.

Do you guys have any suggestions? I hear some people saying that SNF has a better chance to get sponsorship.. but then it's not a "specialized" position. I thought about going back to school for Master's, but it also requires work experience.

I've been researching about this issue, but only getting negative responses :(

Please help!!

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

Check with your international studies coordinator you do not have 10 months to secure a job on opt. I last read you had 30 days to secure employment or secure another F1 visa or you are out of status and you need to leave the US.

Many F1 nurses are having difficulty securing OPT jobs. There are many new grads applying for few jobs. An employer is more likely to hire a citizen or PR that has no restriction over a candidate with 10 months OPT that requires employer sponsorship to stay employed. It's a matter of economics.

F1 visas are not intended as a pathway to H1B or immigration. The intention is for you to complete your education, get the OPT for experience and return to your home country.

H1B is not intended for new grad nurses just like US travel nursing is not for inexperienced new grads. Both are for experienced specialty trained nurses. The specialized credentials require 2 years full time work in a specialty area (critical care, pediatrics, oncology, ED , etc) once employment is verified you are eligible to take the specialty board exam. Once passed you earn the credential indicative of your experience (CEN, CCRN, CPN, ONCRN, CNOR, RNFA , RN-BC, etc)

Depending on your country of birth you could try. & secure an employment based visa but the wait is 3-10 years due to retrogression.

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

Many SNF do not have the funds to sponsor for H1B nor is a typical BSN level job as much of the work can be done by LPN s

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I am also frustated in finding employers. I have been calling many people,but of no use. What should be done to work in USA as a nurse? How many days should we wait?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I am also frustated in finding employers. I have been calling many people,but of no use. What should be done to work in USA as a nurse? How many days should we wait?

There is no nursing shortage in much of the US and thus no significant need for healthcare employers to pay to sponsor inexperienced non-citizen/nonPR nurses. If you are on OPT, you have to secure employment within 90 days do graduation or you are out of status.

Is it an option to return to your home country, work as a nurse for a few years to gain experience in a specialty area then reapply?

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I am on H4 visa and i have 8 years of work experience in India.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I am on H4 visa and i have 8 years of work experience in India.

Do you have a BSN? If not you won't qualify for H1B unless highly specialized. What kind of experience? Specialized? For EB3 visa the wait due to retrogression is close to a decade for those born in India

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unfortunately i dont have BSN,this is the reason i am in great depression. I have done diploma in nursing for 3 years. And had experience in ER. I am aware of this green card retrogession. Because of these reasons, i am very concerned. and dont know,what to do to get work permit in the united states.

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

There isn't much you can do if there are no employers willing to sponsor for EB3. You could try to see if you could undertake an RN to BSN program but I'm not sure if it would qualify for F1 visa or OPT as many are online programs which don't qualify for student visas.

Do you have 8 recent years of ED experience? Look at joining the ENA and gaining relevant certifications (ACLS PALS TNCC) maybe? Current certificates with recent ED experience may help.

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