Immigrating to the U.S. from Canada

[rubinalcohol]

Hello all! :)

I am currently in my final year of Nursing school and I am interested in immigrating to the U.S. Why? I want to continue my education and go on for my Master's degree in Nurse Anesthesia (currently not offered in Canada) and eventually work and live in the U.S.

I would like to work for a couple of years before going on for my Masters (I need critical care experience before applying to the program), so, ideally I would like to move to the U.S. after completing my Bachelor's and passing the NCLEX, etc and begin working as an RN.

From the little research I've done, it seems there may be quite the backup for working visas in the US. Is there anyone from Canada who has recently moved to the States and begun working as a nurse? If so, any information from your experiences would be greatly appreciated. I am engaged to a U.S. citizen, but, he has been living with me in Canada, as a permanent resident here, for 4 years. So, I guess we could always go that immigration route if it was faster. I would prefer whichever route is faster to getting a job after finishing my Bachelor's so I can hopefully get the experience I will need to move on into the Nurse Anesthetist program.

Thanks for any and all help!

Cheers

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

As a Canadian citizen you have the option of NAFTA and can work as long as you find a employer, get Visa Screen Certificate once passed NCLEX and met state requirements and if you have a employer willing to go the GC route work in the US whilst waiting. GC if employer based has a current waiting list of over 6 years. Getting married would certainly be quicker

[rubinalcohol]

Thanks for the reply. :) Just to be sure...you're saying that I can work without a GC as long as I have a job offer, Visa Screen Cert, passed the NCLEX and met the state requirements?

If so, that's great to hear.

Thank you for the reply. :)

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

As long as you meet NAFTA requirements have a employer willing to give you a letter of employment, Visa Screen Certificate and for that you need to have passed stated requirements and NCLEX you can apply for NAFTA at the border as long as you have the documents

[rubinalcohol]

Thanks again for the info. :)