International Nursing Student with OPT

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Hi all!:D

I am an international student currently studying in nursing and will be graduating in May 2012. :yeah: I am researching for new grad programs or RN residency programs around in California. However, I am wondering with OPT (Optional Practical Training) would I be able to get into those programs and perhaps with a pay check? :confused:

Thank you so much for your help!

I would be looking forward to hear from you :)

Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hi,

I've been reading posts on allnurses.com and it's really depressing to know that new grads don't qualify for a H1b visa.

I will be graduating with BSN in nursing in May 2012, and I'm applying for an OPT right now. I want to work in the US as long as I can, and I was wondering what will be my next steps. If anyone has suggestions, please let me know.

H1b is a specialist visa so unless you are lucky to find a employer willing to go the H1b route and not many are used for nurses then you really have no way once OPT is completed on staying in the US to work

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Yes BSNSN, I understand your frustration. It is not easy to get a H1B but it is not impossible. Again, the requirements for H1B are 1. You have at least a bachelor. 2. The job has a minimum requirement of bachelor. I would try clinical research coordinator. It requires a bachelor and it is reasonable to assume that a BSN would be a required/desired qualification. Not your typical nursing job but if you want to stay you need to look "off the beaten path"

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Hi BSNSN, we have similar situation. I am also a nursing student, completed my first degree in 2003. I will graduate in August 2018, and I am worried that no hospital will accept me for my OPT.

How was your job search? I noticed that this was an old posting, but did u find any luck in getting a job who will accept an f1 visa?

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Hi BSNSN, we have similar situation. I am also a nursing student, completed my first degree in 2003. I will graduate in August 2018, and I am worried that no hospital will accept me for my OPT.

How was your job search? I noticed that this was an old posting, but did u find any luck in getting a job who will accept an f1 visa?

You can get a job with your OPT but it is hard to get sponsorship for H1B visa, just so you know..

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When you apply, all they can legally ask is if you are able to work in the U.S. (...without needing a sponsor). The answer is: YES !

Although, the OPT has a time limit (1 year) it is a unrestricted working permit. I would not mention on your application or in the interview that you are a F1-OPT. Some here might disagree and think this is deceptive but you only have this precious year to get experience and there is no legal requirement to explain your immigration status in detail. Again, you have the legal right to work. Period! That's all they have to know.

Depending on your resume and work experience they might suspect you are not a citizen anyway. If they flat out ask you then of course you need to tell, but don't volunteer this information up front.

Your first order in an interview is to convince them of your passion for nursing and the job you apply for.

If you get a BSN then there is always the chance to get a H1b later but you need to think outside the box to get it. There are many non-traditional nursing jobs that require a bachelor. You could for example try to become a study co-ordinator for clinical trials. They like to hire RNs with a bachelor and your chance of getting a H1b this way is very good.

I think not mentioning your status to your employer in an interview is wrong and recommending people to do that is stupid..

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