immigration question for US citizens taking up BSN in the Philippines

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hi everyone! I'll be applying for a US citizenship a few months from now.

When I become a US citizen i'm planning to study BSN in the Philippines.

Which of these three did you get upon coming to the Philippines?:

-student visa

-dual citizenship

-re-entry permit

And also could you include the steps that you took when you went back to the Philippines to study?

I've read through a lot of threads already but couldn't find the answer that I was looking for.

any comments will be appreciated. thanks!

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Why not just take up nursing in the US? I know it's cheaper to take it in the Philippines, but I'm sure you're planning on returning to the US to work. You will have to jump some hoops in order to obtain licensure here in the US. All this money that you will supposedly be saving might not be worth all time and effort that you'd be wasting trying to get approved here in the US. Keep in mind you'll always be looked at as a foreign graduate even if you're a US citizen by then. Sometimes saving money isn't worth it. Good Luck

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thanks for the reply nursecubanitarn2b. :)

yes i am aware of the possible downsides that may come from this decision of mine. i've thought about this long and hard, taking into consideration the factors surrounding me. and i've made up my mind, i've decided to go back "home" and study there. :)

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Found it! Anyway, I wanted to wish you all the best in your studies and good luck. Make sure you choose an excellent school and learn all you can. Especially if you have the passion for nursing you will succeed! :-)

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Thanks for your advice and encouragement NurseCubanitaRN2b. I really appreciate it. ;)

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Hi legobeast88! I did the same thing last year- came back "home" to the Philippines to pursue Nursing School as it would cost a fraction of what it will be back in the US, among other things. I am more than halfway done with school and quite honestly this is the best decision for me as I have a toddler who likes to run around practically the whole day.

I was clueless with what immigration approach to take last year as well so I asked the Philippine Bureau of Immigration for advice. I was told that the easiest way to go was to apply for Dual Citizenship. Within 2 weeks my daughter and I were approved and it saves me the hassle of getting an extension permit one after another, or applying for an ACR (I heard these 2 are more costly too!).

As far as steps for school application... have you decided what school to go to? Personally I did a walk in in the school that I was interested in. The following day I enrolled. It was easy as that. They could however, ask what your status is so I advise that you apply for Dual Citizenship before enrolling so that you will not be considered a foreign student and have to pay extra fees, not to mention have to provide all the extra requirements.

I hope this helps.

The best of luck to you! :)

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thanks a lot myla82! your comment really shed some light on this question of mine. :yeah:

If I may, I have a few more questions to ask you. (1) Being a dual citizen, how long can you stay outside of the US? (2) Do you still need to file your income tax return in the US eventhough you don't have a job or a house in the US?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
thanks a lot myla82! your comment really shed some light on this question of mine. :yeah:

If I may, I have a few more questions to ask you. (1) Being a dual citizen, how long can you stay outside of the US? (2) Do you still need to file your income tax return in the US eventhough you don't have a job or a house in the US?

If a dual citizen then you can stay outside the US as long as you want, it only changes if you are a permanent resident then you have to maintain residency. Yes you still have to file US taxes ever year

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Thanks for the info Silverdragon102, I really appreciate it. This site is really helpful.:up:

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not a problem! :)

you can stay in the philippines for as long long as you would like! the next immigration step after you get your dual citizenship approved is to apply for a philippine passport so that you may be able to leave the country anytime you wish.

taxes need to be filed annually in the US.

that's about it! sounds easy huh? that's because it actually is!!!

good luck to you, legobeast88! :)

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Why not just take up nursing in the US? I know it's cheaper to take it in the Philippines, but I'm sure you're planning on returning to the US to work. You will have to jump some hoops in order to obtain licensure here in the US. All this money that you will supposedly be saving might not be worth all time and effort that you'd be wasting trying to get approved here in the US. Keep in mind you'll always be looked at as a foreign graduate even if you're a US citizen by then. Sometimes saving money isn't worth it. Good Luck

If she was trying to get an Associates Degree I would agree with you.

But going back to PI for a Bachelors Degree can be a very wise decision, and the education can be obtained at a fraction of the cost versus USA.

Very little hoops to jump thru, and being a Forgein graduate Nurse from Philippines can be an asset in the US Nursing Market.

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What do you mean that being a foreign graduate nurse from the Philippines can be an asset in the US Nursing Market?

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