International LPN Student seeking sponsorship

vovo1978 · Jul 21, 2008

I know what you are saying and I appreciate it. I would transfer back to the English school just until January when I can get into a Community College for an RN program. That would take me as international student 4-5 years to complete. By then my fiancee is going to be US citizen and I wouldn't need a nurse visa anymore. We are planning to get married next year. Does that sound like a plan? Thank you!

suzanne4, RN · Jul 21, 2008

It takes a year for the pre-reqs, then two years for the program. If you are not in school full-time, then you do not maintain the requirements for the student visa. Five years for a two year degree does not make any sense at all, you would be much better off by going to a full four year program and getting the BSN and in less time.

Four to five years is a very long time in any relationship, and things can happen. Please do not rely solely on that.

Best of luck to you.

vovo1978 · Jul 21, 2008

Is it too expensive for me to go for a full 4 year BSN. I don't have that kind of money. You know, international students have to pay more money, like almost double, than an american resident. They don't give us any breaks. How about looking to a different position. I mean, still in the Healthcare field, but something different, not nursing. Do you know of any position with shortages? Thank you

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 21, 2008

Is it too expensive for me to go for a full 4 year BSN. I don't have that kind of money. You know, international students have to pay more money, like almost double, than an american resident. They don't give us any breaks. How about looking to a different position. I mean, still in the Healthcare field, but something different, not nursing. Do you know of any position with shortages? Thank you

Most countries will charge a lot higher fees than local residents. You are still going to have visa problems as it is the categories that are in retrogression, if you look for anther type of visa ie H1b in another field there is no guarantee that the visa will be allocated as demand is higher than amounts issued and very much a lottery with a April application and Oct start

suzanne4, RN · Jul 22, 2008

Going to school full-time for the ADN for four to five years that you have mentioned will be costing you more in many respects than what you would get for the same four years and the BSN.

Unfortunately, you are looking for a way to be able to remain in the US for the next few years and that is what is going to be hard for you. Going into any other field in health care actually requires the bachelor's degree for the visa as most areas that are accepted even are now requiring the Master's degree.

The two year ADN is the only one that meets the requirements for the green card of the two year programs but it is most definitely not a two year program.

Not sure what you tell you, but the LPN program is a bad idea, especially with the fees that you have to pay for it for the year. After the OPT, you cannot work once again, and you will be a full-time student as well. There is also no guarantee that you will get into a bridge program for the RN when you are ready for it. The only programs that we see that have immediate openings are the private schools and they are about $35,000 US for the year to go from LPN to the RN.

Not sure if you have thought this all thru or not.

Best of luck to you.

nrswnabee · Jul 22, 2008

Is it too expensive for me to go for a full 4 year BSN. I don't have that kind of money. You know, international students have to pay more money, like almost double, than an american resident. They don't give us any breaks. How about looking to a different position. I mean, still in the Healthcare field, but something different, not nursing. Do you know of any position with shortages? Thank you

yes it is quite expensive. it is an option to go get an adn however the closest you can get to a job is under your post-completion optional practical training (opt). after completing your adn, you can work for 1 year with your opt. after that, you must either return to school on an f1 visa or go back to your home country in 60 days. the f1 visa seems to be the wiser choice because by then, you have already earned some-some to get you through another round of studying (for bsn). (heck.... i know, it's tough!!)

with strict immigration policies, i'm afraid we must take care NOT to think that there is an overwhelming shortage of nurses in the u.s. that employers are scrambling to get nurses everywhere they can find them. we need to look ahead and draw up our plan to stay legal and afloat....

vovo1978 · Jul 22, 2008

The community college I am talking about is like $8000 per year. That would cost me like 35-to 40K for ASN. Is it still a lot cheaper than a BSN. By the time I graduate, I will be married to my fiancee. I will not need a sponsor for a job. I am trying to see things positively here but maybe I am a little outside the lines. What do you think?

suzanne4, RN · Jul 22, 2008

yes it is quite expensive. it is an option to go get an adn however the closest you can get to a job is under your post-completion optional practical training (opt). after completing your adn, you can work for 1 year with your opt. after that, you must either return to school on an f1 visa or go back to your home country in 60 days. the f1 visa seems to be the wiser choice because by then, you have already earned some-some to get you through another round of studying (for bsn). (heck.... i know, it's tough!!)
with strict immigration policies, i'm afraid we must take care NOT to think that there is an overwhelming shortage of nurses in the u.s. that employers are scrambling to get nurses everywhere they can find them. we need to look ahead and draw up our plan to stay legal and afloat....

They did not get the OPT submitted before they completed their program, so that is out of the question for them.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 22, 2008

The community college I am talking about is like $8000 per year. That would cost me like 35-to 40K for ASN. Is it still a lot cheaper than a BSN. By the time I graduate, I will be married to my fiancee. I will not need a sponsor for a job. I am trying to see things positively here but maybe I am a little outside the lines. What do you think?

It is going to be more than that per year if you are an international student, you also need living expenses for the time that you are in a program.

One never knows what is going to be happening five years from now, and unfortunately relationhips are not always there as planned either. So you need to have things in place if it is not, you never want to put all of your eggs in one basked.

nrswnabee · Jul 22, 2008

The community college I am talking about is like $8000 per year. That would cost me like 35-to 40K for ASN. Is it still a lot cheaper than a BSN. By the time I graduate, I will be married to my fiancee. I will not need a sponsor for a job. I am trying to see things positively here but maybe I am a little outside the lines. What do you think?

of course, your community college asn is absolutely cheaper than bsn. getting your nursing degree (whether asn, adn or bsn) will extend you a lot of opportunities...not only helping you set foot in the u.s. it's an all-time, in-demand career. do it for yourself unless your heart isn't really into it. nursing pays but it is a hell of a backbreaking and nerve wracking job as well. think about it...

mlivolti · Nov 6, 2008

Oh my God!! Do not get discouraged by all they are telling you. It is true that you can not get a sponsor with the LPN program only but when you finish get the R.N program done and you will have a sponsor 100% sure. If you do not contact me because I know more than one hospital that will sponsor you for sure!!! Do not get scared

Silverdragon102, BSN · Nov 7, 2008

Oh my God!! Do not get discouraged by all they are telling you. It is true that you can not get a sponsor with the LPN program only but when you finish get the R.N program done and you will have a sponsor 100% sure. If you do not contact me because I know more than one hospital that will sponsor you for sure!!! Do not get scared

Sure they can get a petitioner as a RN we haven't said they wont but the issue at the moment is retrogression and no visas available to stay and work in the US.