H-1B visa for ICU RN at magnet status hospital?

Silverdragon102, BSN · Mar 19, 2014

It is up to the hospital whether they apply and if they are affected by the cap you have to get the application in straight away in April but be aware last few years the cap has been reached on the first day. You will need to ask the hospital if they are exempt or an immigration lawyer experienced in this area.

If you plan on doing Masters to maintain status then it has to be a full time course with working as per the requirements which is usually limited during semesters. There is CPT however at some stage it may impact OPT

These are really questions to be asking the hospital as well as the university you plan on doing your masters

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Mar 19, 2014

I'm transitioning into a new job next week *hopefully* which is an ICU position in a magnet facility hospital (meaning entry level is bachelor's, which is one of the requirements of H-1B visa). Do I qualify for an H-1b visa?

My understanding is that the Magnet Recognition Program does not specifically mandate Magnet Hospitals to hire only BSN's. What it does require is that Magnet Hospitals have an action plan that outlines how they will achieve 80% staffing by BSN educated nurses by the year 2020.

The decision to hire only BSN nurses is up to individual hospitals as part of their specific action plan. If this is a hiring policy of the specific hospital you are applying to and there is proof in writing, then I think you could technically qualify. You should consult with a lawyer knowledgeable of this for further confirmation.

Also, it is a non for profit hospital. Is this hospital exempt from the H-1B visa numerical cap?

Employment sponsors of H1B Visas that are non-profit institutions of higher education, a related or affiliated non-profit entity, a non-profit research organization, or a governmental research organization are exempt from the H1B Visa numerical cap.

How likely is it that the hospital will sponsor me?

That's a question for the hospital to answer with their understanding and you being upfront about requiring additional legal employment processing above and beyond someone that they could hire who wouldn't.

I really want to maintain status and stay and work in the US. If all else fails I was going to go back to school for my master's but I would like to work and get more experience before going back to school. Also, IF I do go back and get my master's can I still work full-time and go to school at the same time?

I went to graduate school for my Master's while working as a nurse at the bedside. It is difficult but can be done with a lot of discipline on your part and cooperation from your coworkers and unit nurse manager in terms of being flexible with your schedule.

I worked full time during the first year but dropped to part-time hours during my second year of my NP program when clinicals started. Some students were able to work full time during the program but took a slower pace in school by taking on a part-time academic load.

My understanding is that you have to be a full time student with an F1 Visa.

Superman_RN · Mar 24, 2014

Thanks guys!

I appreciate the feedback. I think I will be going back to do my Master's since the H-1B seems a little tricky and not guaranteed. At least when I finish my NP I will have better options in terms of OPT and possible sponsorship.

allnurses Guide · Mar 25, 2014

Did you ask your employer? I wouldn't base your decision on message board replies. The only ones who can tell you how likely it is are your employers. And no you cannot work fulltime while studying for your masters, at least not if you are in F1 status. You are restricted to the type and # hours employment, I believe it's 20hr/wk.

In addition, after completing your MSN, you will be in a similar position where you require visa sponsorship, be it H1B work visa or EB3 immigrant visa.