Green card/visa for international US New Grad Nurse

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Please help me out with my situation.

I'm graduating May 2011 from a US accredited 4-year nursing school with a BSN (Bachelor's degree in Nursing).

I am an international student (alien, not a citizen/immigrant in US).

I heard that there would be no green card issued to international nurses anymore.

So, my question is:

After I graduate (May 2011), what documents/procedures I have go through to work in the US?

I truly appreciate your help.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

Your thread is being moved to the International Forum where posts related to immigration issues belong.

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The only way is to apply for a working visa or find an employer who are willing to petition you. I don't know the process in detail but I know that the processing is quite a long time. I wish you goodluck!

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I am an international nurse my self and been processing immigrant visa since 2005. Up until now, I'm still waiting for that.. Currently working in a different country while waiting for the visa to be release (i dont know when)..

First, find a hospital that sponsor such petition, but you being a newly graduate would be difficult, but dont loose hope..

Try to look for other options, gain experience from another country , such as canada. Lets just say you were able to find a hospital to sponsor you, your petition process will still go further for months and who knows years.. Instead of waiting, find a job and gain experience.. More experience, the more marketable you'll be..

Good luck!!

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Did you apply for OPT on your student visa? If you are on the F1 student visa, you should be able to apply for OPT about 3 months before you graduate. This will allow you to work in the U.S. for 1 year.

As for getting experience in Canada, many new grads are having a hard time finding a job right now all over the country.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
I am an international nurse my self and been processing immigrant visa since 2005. Up until now, I'm still waiting for that.. Currently working in a different country while waiting for the visa to be release (i dont know when)..

First, find a hospital that sponsor such petition, but you being a newly graduate would be difficult, but dont loose hope..

Try to look for other options, gain experience from another country , such as canada. Lets just say you were able to find a hospital to sponsor you, your petition process will still go further for months and who knows years.. Instead of waiting, find a job and gain experience.. More experience, the more marketable you'll be..

Good luck!!

Why would you suggest Canada? Are aware that Canada also has requirements and a lengthy licensing process as well as a process to obtain a work visa.It is no easier than trying to go the US and we also have a shortage of nursing jobs as well as thew US.

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Why would you suggest Canada? Are aware that Canada also has requirements and a lengthy licensing process as well as a process to obtain a work visa.It is no easier than trying to go the US and we also have a shortage of nursing jobs as well as thew US.

It never hurts to get other options. The fact that new nurses are having a hard time finding job, setting yourself to one option will not make you go any further.. I mean that was just a suggestion. I know "THE" current shortage of nurses there, but it's getting harder to actually GET IN THERE per ce because of the Retrogression.

I mean it's still her choice by the way. Just giving a suggestion..:)

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.
It never hurts to get other options. The fact that new nurses are having a hard time finding job, setting yourself to one option will not make you go any further.. I mean that was just a suggestion. I know "THE" current shortage of nurses there, but it's getting harder to actually GET IN THERE per ce because of the Retrogression.

I mean it's still her choice by the way. Just giving a suggestion..:)

Sorry.I only meant that Canada was no faster option.

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Thank you very much for all of your replies. I think I will make an appointment with an immigration lawyer to find out everything. Thank you very much.

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"Why would you suggest Canada? Are aware that Canada also has requirements and a lengthy licensing process as well as a process to obtain a work visa.It is no easier than trying to go the US and we also have a shortage of nursing jobs as well as thew US."

Well said! It still amazes me how Canada is perceived as a country where you can get some quick experience and then leave. I am a Cdn. Citizen with a U.S. degree and I'm in the process of having my education assessed in three provinces. There is no easy way to get around this process. It is a very lengthy and one should expect 6 months to one year just for the evaluation to allow you to sit the CRNE (Canadian board exam). Then the CRNE could require another wait as it is only offered 3x per year and you must register for it 3 months in advance. Not to mention it is also very costly for the assessments.

Another thing to consider: Some Canadian provinces will require you to make a commitment if they are to give you a license. I have recently encountered this with my experience in one province. Bottom line is they are not willing to hand out licenses like candy and may require you to make a commitment.

:twocents:

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Specializes in CTICU.

You can work for a year with OPT then you're out of luck - no visas. Finding a sponsor is no help, because they can't produce a visa out of thin air.

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At this time most employers are shaving their staff, and most aren't willing to spend the money to petition for a foreigner when domestically, they have plenty to pick from. You may just need to go home, and gain some nursing experience while you wait. Good Luck

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