How can an International student work as a nurse in the US?

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Hi, I am currently a BSN nursing student (junior year) studying in the US with a F1 (student) visa. I am clueless :uhoh3: about how I can stay and work in the US after I graduate. All I know is that I have to pass the NCLEX and start applying for a green card. So here are some questions that I have in mind:

Can I work right away after graduation? :rolleyes:

What is the first step that I need to take/ apply?

When should I apply for a Practical Training? How does it work?

What comes after Practical Training? Is it H1B visa?

When can I apply for a green card? How long is the process?

Please let me know ASAP :crying2:

thank you :p , MedSurge

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Please, please read the posts here. They address your questions 100%.

You must take the NCLEX exam, just like any other nurse. You also need to get a Visa Screen Certificate, but you can do nothing about that until you have actually graduated and have a full set of completed trancripts.

You apply for an OPT before you graduate which will allow you to work while you are getting everyhting completed for immigration and your green card.

Forget about anything having to do with H1-B visas, they do not exist for nurses currently.

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Length of process can be any where from one to over two years, depends on where you are going to be hired. That is what will be the deciding factor as to where your paperwork is done.

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Length of process can be any where from one to over two years, depends on where you are going to be hired. That is what will be the deciding factor as to where your paperwork is done.

Thanks a bunch!! I will read the posting in this forum :)

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