Green card/visa for international US New Grad Nurse

[judycollingwell]

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.

[AnnaSL, BSN, RN]

"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.

I did have an assessment in two provinces, Sashketchewan and Alberta, and I know it takes a LOT OF WORK, TIME, MONEY and effort to BE ASSESSED and HAVE a LICENSE.. I AM VERY AWARE.. I was merely suggesting AN OPTION.. Because honestly, they don't give VISA like candy either because of RETROGRESSION... I know that because I am still waiting for mine to be approved.

I only cited Canada as an option, there are countries like UK, Australia and EUrope.. Which ever comes FIRST:up: Still, it's her call right? Just Suggesting people.

[jenn8500]

I was merely suggesting AN OPTION...

I just wanted to help by sharing my experience so that the OP (and others in same situation) would have an idea of what the process entails and therefore be able to weigh out all options. Believe me, I did not know what I was getting myself into. I thought, no big deal I have an American degree all I have to do is get assessed then I can get licensed..Sounds easy on paper, but it in reality it is not.

they don't give VISA like candy either because of RETROGRESSION... I know that because I am still waiting for mine to be approved.

It is quite obvious from the threads on this forum that many are in the same situation coming to Canada as a "stepping stone" until they get their US green card. I don't think that Canada hands out visas like candy either. If they do, it should be illegal considering many Canadians are having a hard time finding work and there has been a lot of lay offs. Like you said, there are other countries as options

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

I don't think that Canada likes to be used, and then as soon as the green card goes through the person will bolt to the US. I can see why there's a lot of frustrated citizens of Canada. I don't blame them.

[jenn8500]

I don't think that Canada likes to be used, and then as soon as the green card goes through the person will bolt to the US. I can see why there's a lot of frustrated citizens of Canada. I don't blame them.

Thanks for understanding the frustration. There are a lot of posts on this forum saying they are only "willing" to work in Canada or they are just "waiting for retrogression to end". I don't know how else to perceive that other than they are just "using" Canada. Did they ever think they might be offending some Canadians? Just a thought..

[Fiona59]

I did have an assessment in two provinces, Sashketchewan and Alberta, and I know it takes a LOT OF WORK, TIME, MONEY and effort to BE ASSESSED and HAVE a LICENSE.. I AM VERY AWARE.. I was merely suggesting AN OPTION.. Because honestly, they don't give VISA like candy either because of RETROGRESSION... I know that because I am still waiting for mine to be approved.

I only cited Canada as an option, there are countries like UK, Australia and EUrope.. Which ever comes FIRST:up: Still, it's her call right? Just Suggesting people.

I hope you didn't spell SASKATCHEWAN wrong on all your paperwork!!!

Honestly, all the countries in the Commonwealth are fed up of being deluged with applications to gain experience whilst waiting out Retrogression. I have family in Oz, NZ, and the UK and they all report local new grads having a hard time finding work.

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

Thanks for understanding the frustration. There are a lot of posts on this forum saying they are only "willing" to work in Canada or they are just "waiting for retrogression to end". I don't know how else to perceive that other than they are just "using" Canada. Did they ever think they might be offending some Canadians? Just a thought..

Sometimes people just don't think and just do with out realizing that they might be offending people. I honestly don't think it's done on purpose, but it is what it is. Retrogression isn't going to be ending soon, and you never know people might be content with Canada and want to stay. There are a lot of Canadians who come to the US to work, and then they end up going back home after awhile. Canada is such a beautiful country and I don't understand why they would want to leave in the first place.