Moving to the U.S. from New Zealand

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Hello all!

This is my first post on this forum, and I look forward to meeting you all! I can tell there are some very knowledgeable and experiences members here.

I currently live in New Zealand (have NZ citizenship) and I am also a Canadian citizen. I am currently have two more years to go until I complete my Bachelors of Nursing. I am 20 years old and determined to eventually live in the U.S. and call it home. I feel it is prudent to start researching and planning as much as possible about all the different options I have before taking the leap of faith.

My question is this - how difficult is it currently for internationally trained nurses to immigrate to the U.S.? From what I have read it is far from easy, though not impossible. I believe the nursing profession falls under EB-3, and would require an employer to petition for me.

Secondly, what exactly is the process (step by step) to make the move and get registered in the US via petition?

After completing my Bachelor's, I will have to spend an additional year here in NZ to gain my registration and transition to clinical practice. I plan to make the move while I'm still young after a few years of clinical experience here in NZ - I am interested in emergency/critical care nursing.

Thanks,

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

As a Canadian citizen you have the option of using nafta. The steps you need to go through is once graduated apply to a state board of nursing, meet their requirements and pass NCLEX. Then find employer willing to employ you, I would use TN as much easier to get and no cost to employer and then once in the US working approach employer about EB3 and then look for immigrant visa (EB3) which means you can carry on working on TN in the US until immigrant visa is ready

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Thank you for your response! That sounds great.

However, I believe the TN visa isn't a dual interest visa, meaning that I can't apply for a green card while on it?

Really, I should get in touch with an immigration lawyer closer to the time, as things can change.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Many Canadian nurses have used TN and obtained green card so it can be done

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