International nursing students with ADN?

Published

Hello. I'm currently a freshman in a four-year university doing my pre-req for a BSN program. While I was doing some research, I noticed that getting an ADN instead of a BSN is a better way for me to save money and become a nurse faster.

But the question is, can I be hired after completing my ADN as an international student?

I heard from some people that international students have to either have a BSN or MSN to be hired in the states...

Is this true??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

If you need a work visa in the US many such as H1B require a minimum of BSN or MSN plus specialty experience. The EB3 visa can be issued to an ASN RN but the wait is 3-15 years depending on country of birth. There is little incentive for employers to pay or wait for a new grad ASN that needs sponsorship when there is often a glut of nurses that don't need sponsorship

The purpose of a student visa is that you return to your home country post graduation to practice your career not a means for immigration. Many county/community colleges do not offer F1 student visas or not for nursing majors. Something to consider.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CTICU.

Where do you live? What is your nationality? What is your current immigration status?

Are you asking if you will be eligible for an employment visa in the US after completing your nursing studies as an ADN vs BSN? If so, either way you face a difficult challenge to find an employer willing to sponsor someone with 1 yr experience (if you use OPT to get one year's experience). Having a bachelors or masters degree would give you a much greater chance of doing so.

As long as you are aware that you may complete a masters degree and still not find a sponsor for immigration purposes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion