In VA looking for a petitioner (currently on H4)

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Oct 23, 2009

Hello everyone, first of all I apologize for intrude in someone else's thread but it was impossible for me to find the option for a new thread...
I live in Richmond, VA on a H4 status. I am a CGFNS, IBtoefl, NCLEX and VISA SCREEN certificate holder.
...so I've got all the papers, my VA license to practice as an RN but I find it impossible to get a sponsorship. The truth is that I've applied only at two hospitals. At the first one I've got to the final level of the interview but the papers got stuck at the administration department and no word since then... the HR from second hospital contacted me, but i've miss their phone call... I call them back, left a voice message but nobody ever called me back...
I kindly ask for anyone's help and guidance... do anyone know hospitals that are offering sponsorship or agencies able to support a foreign RN with VA license?
Thank you and God bless!

I am confused H4 from what I have read is dependent status and does not allow you to get a SSN or work. So you can't work in the USA at the current time. You can apply for a sponsorship but you will be place in the retrogression line which is quite long. Many hospitals do not want to commit to a contract not knowing when they will be able to hire you. Perhaps this is reason why the hospitals are not calling you back.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2009

I don't think this particular poster stated she had a ss#. If she doesn't have it, there's no way that she can work even if she does find a sponsor. Which as Medsurg stated will take years because of retrogression. So the person is stuck.

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Oct 23, 2009

Thanks you are correct she did not mention a SSN, unfortunately she will be stuck after all the hard work getting her nursing license with out a job.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Oct 23, 2009

I thought maybe I missed something! I didn't see that she had a ss#, so I thought it was something I overlooked. Yes, she will be stuck and unfortunately wont be able to keep her nursing skills up to date. I wonder if she can enroll in classes as in refresher courses. Hopefully she can at least do that.

ciufi · Oct 23, 2009

I do have a SSN... I use to have an working permit until my husband changed his status and now he's in a process for a green card. I never worked though

i was hoping to find new solution with you guys ... it seems that his status is crucial for me... when he'll get his green card i would be able to work also.

I'm doing continuing education on medscapeCME and i'm planning also to be a volunteer on Emergency Medical Services, be a member of a volunteer rescue squad ...

thank you so much for your prompt answers!

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Oct 24, 2009

On a H4 visa you can have a ss#???? That's very odd, are you sure it wasn't under a different visa that allowed you to have a ss#? Well the next best thing would be to contact an attorney. There are some hotlines that you can call and get some free advise. Like some sort of legal aid. Hope this helps. Good Luck

Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN · Oct 24, 2009

I agree with Nursecubanitarn2be something is not adding up. If your husband has a green card and you were included in his petition you will be all set. Otherwise he will be in the same retrogression mess. Only a lawyer can give you competent advice.

I would not look for a job until you have the legal right to do so. You could apply for a visa your self and look for a sponsor, but you won't be able to work until your turn comes up.

Hospitals have plenty of nurses who don't have the hassle of worrying about dealing with paying fines ( that is what happens when an employee doesn't have legal authority to work).

When is your husband's Petition Date---that will give you a clue when you can work. Also if you don't have a current visa, you need to leave the country. Please consult a lawyer they can give you the best advice.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Oct 24, 2009

Until you get your GC via your husband (or have EAD and can work) I think you will find it hard to get a petitioner and permission to work. Nurses come under EB3 and will take years to be processed as it stands at the moment and you can not AOS. Not sure what category your husband has submitted his GC application but depending on category and place of birth will depend on how long it will take.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Oct 24, 2009

Moved to a thread on it's own

ciufi · Oct 24, 2009

thank you guys for your support and for your experience...

yes, I do have the SSN from a previous status, I'm legal here I do not need to go back to my country...

we do not have an GC yet, as I said my husband is in a process of getting one...

i already spoke with the best attorneys in the emigration field, specialized on foreign nurses and they told me that i need to find a sponsor...i do not have the right to work on my actual status, but i'm free to look up for a sponsor... once the sponsor apply for my change of status, my legal status is gonna change...I'll get the right to work

As the silverdragon posted earlier, the waiting line for GC is huge...and could take like 2-3 years...this is what the attorney told me, but it;s legal to look up for sponsorships, only that the process will be long and there are not so many hospitals willing to wait that amount of time ...

...so it's frustrating to pass trough so many exams, to pay so many fees and not be able to practice...

so many sleepless nighs, so many days i kept my kids indoors because I had to study... i hope I'll get my repay and I'll be free to practice my profession soon... i miss that

ciufi · Oct 24, 2009

Moved to a thread on it's own

thank you much sweetie!