licensing in usa as canadian new grad - help!

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Hi there,

I really hope that someone can help me...

I am a Canadian citizen graduating as a RN from nursing school in Canada in June 2009. I also have a second BSc in Immunology. I would like to come down to the US to work, with the intention of staying permanently to be with my boyfriend.

I wondered what state would be the fastest to obtain Authorization to Test from, as I will be writing the Canadian RN exam in June, and ideally, would like to sit the NCLEX at around the same time? I would like to work in DC, but am not sure how long processing would take there or if it would be better to obtain a license through another state and transfer it over to DC.

Also, I know that as a Canadian, I can obtain a TN visa and cross over pretty quickly to work, but this is not a dual intent visa. Would anyone be able to recommend the best process for getting in to the US quickly...should I apply for a H-1B and then, while in the US, apply for a green card, or should I just apply directly for the green card? How long would either route take me?

Also, I have seen several posts mentioning foreign nurse recruitment agencies. Are these recommended or is it better to apply directly to hospitals?

How frequently are signing bonuses issued (given the current ecomony)? Do many hospitals reimburse for tuition?

If one enters on a green card, generally, how long are contracts with the endorsing employer?

Sorry, I know these are a lot of questions, but I'd really, really appreciate any help people can provide. It seems to be a very complicated process!

Thank you all so much!

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Specializes in CTICU.

Check the licensing requirements for the state you want to be licensed in. Get started soon, in case you need to get a CES report from CGFNS etc.

Your best bet is to get the TN visa once you have your license, and then get married later to get a GC. You won't be able to get employer-sponsored GC in the near future due to retrogression of the visa categories.

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Hi!

I sat for the NCLEX through Minnesota, and everything was pretty quick. A few days/weeks for my ATT, and I got my results 3 days after testing (much quicker than the 3 months wait in Quebec!!). Don't forget you'll need to apply for the Visascreen if you want to get issued a visa!

Good luck!

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Hi, I'm also a Canadian who will be graduating from a nursing school in June 2009, so I'm pretty much in the same boat as "Nurseshark99". My plan is to move to the States shortly after graduation (Texas or California). I know that I'm faced with alot of obstacles, so I was hoping that I will get some further clarification on the isssue.

I've read alot of posts and the whole transition procedure to the States is still a bit confusing since there's alot of documentation that needs to be done!! I read that there might be agencies that could help, but I'm not sure how likely that is when dealing with a new grad. If you know of any reputable agencies that deal with new grads..please tell me because I'm hoping to get it done right the first time...avoiding the headaches that come with delayed applications. I think this site is great and any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hi, I'm also a Canadian who will be graduating from a nursing school in June 2009, so I'm pretty much in the same boat as "Nurseshark99". My plan is to move to the States shortly after graduation (Texas or California). I know that I'm faced with alot of obstacles, so I was hoping that I will get some further clarification on the isssue.

I've read alot of posts and the whole transition procedure to the States is still a bit confusing since there's alot of documentation that needs to be done!! I read that there might be agencies that could help, but I'm not sure how likely that is when dealing with a new grad. If you know of any reputable agencies that deal with new grads..please tell me because I'm hoping to get it done right the first time...avoiding the headaches that come with delayed applications. I think this site is great and any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!!!

Welcome

Will still take a few months after graduation before you can move to the US. Don't need an agency. Once you have graduated and depending on state as some still require local license (CRNE in your case) you will need to apply to BON/BRN sit and pass NCLEX, find employer get letter of employment from them and also VSC from CGFNS before you will get your TN visa allowing you to work. Depending on where about's in Ca you are looking at living thy have high unemployment at the moment. May be worth checking out the Ca and Tx state forums and seeing how the land lies locally

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You need to have a completed transcript before you can start the application process to any state. You can expect a wait of three to four months on average before you will be given permission to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam. You then need to obtain a Visa Screen Certificate before you can get the TN Visa at the border as well.

Each state has their own requirements so best to check directly with them. It can take longer to endorse to some states than going thru them in the first place for licensure. A few extra months can get added on to the wait as well.

And as Anna mentioned, new grads in CA are having major issues in finding placements in most areas at this time and expect it to get worse and not better by next summer. Ca also has the third highest unemployment rate in the US right now.

Best of luck to you.

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