Hospitals sponsoring RNs for a H1b visa - help!!!

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Hello everyone

Please can anyone help me. I am aware of all of the visa and retrogression issues that have been going on for several years now. However I am finding it very hard to accept that there are NO hospitals out there willing to employ overseas RNs via a H1b visa. I have passed the NCLEX, got my RN license (Texas, which is where I want to live and work but I would be willing to work elsewhere), have my VisaScreen certificate and am planning to take the CNOR (certified nurse operating room) exam in July. I hold a BSN. I am a perioperative (OR/PACU) nurse with 4 years experience in the UK. I have my eyes open and know the visa situation is extremely tough right now but surely there is a hospital somewhere in TX who employs foreign RNs who meet the criteria for the visa. I realise that there is more of a chance of being taken on by a rural hospital than a busy inner city one. I have applied for several positions and have not had any replies from ANYONE, not even 'thanks but no thanks' emails of acknowledgment. I was in TX last month and tried to make appointments to meet with HR/recruitment staff in several hospitals but was turned away and told to apply online, and every recruiter I have spoken to on the phone says 'sorry we do not employ non-USA nurses at this time.' UTMB Galveston have said 'maybe' with a BSN but they couldn't be sure that the application wouldn't be rejected as I don't have an MSN. Obtaining a masters' is not really an option for me as it would take too long and I am already at my wits end. Short of calling every single hospital in Texas I don't know what to do. Can anyone help me please? It has been our dream (my husband is an ER/A&E nurse) to live in Texas for so long, we absolutely love it there and desperately want to make it our home. Thanks!

I believe you have a strong advantage being a nurse midwife. I don't know how far your UK credentials will carry you or whether or not they will require you to obtain some sort of American nurse-midwife certification too. Although- you must have a CES from CGFNS if you've already taken the NCLEX? It is very difficult, not to find jobs, there are thousands of posts, but to find a hospital willing to sponsor you for a visa once you meet the criteria. Go onto UCIS website to make sure you do meet the criteria for a H1b visa. Once you do you would be well advised to apply for positions in more rural areas as opposed to say Houston or Dallas as they are more likey to have more difficulty filling positions and will subsequently consider sponsoring overseas RNs. I wishI could tell you more but I am just at the interview stage so far, and as great as that is it's only half the battle as an offer of a job does not necessarily mean the visa application will be successful. So I am just keeping everything crossed. Good luck x

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Specializes in Cardiac ICU & Nurse Entrepreneur.

Finish your visa screen and send your CV to all hospital employers and nursing agencies. Once you have a willing hospital to sponsor you for EB3 visa everything should be fine. You just have to wait when your priority will be unless you can convince them to apply for an EB2 which is current for UK nurses otherwise you have to wait. There are agencies that are happy to support you with EB2 as long as you have years of good experience here in UK primarily ITU, A&E or theatre nursing. The PD for UK born nurses is July 2010. Good luck!

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I don't meet the criteria for a EB2/3 as I only have 4 years expereince not 5. So I am going through the H1b route. As I said in my original post I already have my CES repoort and VisaScreen certificate from CGFNS. But thanks for your reply anyway x

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Hi BennyBear!

How long did it take you to get your VisaScreen certificate? Did you use the expedited service?

Thanks x

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No I just used the normal service the quick service costs double the $$. It took a couple of months, they already had the documentation they required from the CES report. They mostly used the same information

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HI BennyBear,

How did the interview go and did you eventually get hired and sponsored?

I just read your posts and all the comments. It does seem that the whole situation about foreign RNs seeking sponsorship does not look positive, but I am glad to see that you persevered and took the time to encourage others.

I got my BSN in the States, passed my NCLEX. Now I am searching for hospitals/clinics/homehealth CAP / NON CAP for sponsorship. Do you think I should proceed to get more certificates like your OR one? I am interested in L&D, do you think I should get the Fetal Monitor certificate, ALS, and other certificate to boost up my chances of being hired?

Also, if you don't mind, what are the names of the two hospitals that offered you the interviews? I am currently in California, might consider moving across the country to accomplish my goal.

Thanks!! Greatly appreciate it!

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Hi Benny Bear

How did you get on at interview? I have managed to find an agency who is impressed with my resume and willing to help with the sponsorhip. My downside is that its 4hrs south of where i want to be, but willing to do what ever it takes to get out. I am currently awaiting an interview date. I really hope that something comes of this soon. I have had a few responses back from other hospitals whom although found my resume impressive, are not able/willing to provide sponsorship at this time.

Mochamo - if you are currently living in CA - are you on a student visa then? As for wanting to work in L&D I would get as much experience as possible in this field and up to date in fetal monitoring etc. I think the whole process for foreign nurses to obtain sponsorship is tough right now and more knowledge and experince can only benefit. Let us know how you get on.

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Hey guys! I am currently in Colorado job hunting, I have probably applied to at least 50 hospitals/clinics now- given out resumes, called them, wrote to everyone and told them that I am willing to cover the cost of hiring/training me. 95% of them want me to have at least one year US nursing experience/ they are not currently sponsoring foreign nurses. I am soooo depressed and frustrated. If anyone has something more positive to share, please do- I need hope!!

This lawyer I met in California also told me that nurses on H1B/ E3 visas aren't allowed to provide any patient care?!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

This lawyer I met in California also told me that nurses on H1B/ E3 visas aren't allowed to provide any patient care?!

That is wrong ... as long as you meet the visa requirements and a visa is approved you can provide patient care

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Hello Ladies,

I got my BSN this May in NJ. Took and passed NCLEX in September. I'm currently on OPT. No jobs for non-citizens around here. Still looking but started to loose my hope for hospitals. On the other hand, an OBGYN is willing me to sponsor for green card. December visa bulletin shows Oct 2011 for EB 3. I was wondering how long it would take for me to get visa screening and when will I get a permanent employement card since my OPT will end in July 2014 and my employement card will expire the same day. Good luck to all of you....

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Will take several years as you have to wait for your PD to be current. If you do not maintain legal residence by F1 or other work visa you will have to leave whilst waiting for PD to move forward. Doesn't matter if already in the country you can't stay whilst waiting. Are you working? Have you spoken to a lawyer with experience in this area?

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I know, that's why I will try to enroll in a msn program while applying for H1B and green card. Yes, I do have a lawyer. I've been in this country for ten years and will be very hard for me and my family if I have to leave. My son was born here and going to school here. I wish everyone luck cuz I know everybody has their own story. ...

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