Moving to USA from Canada - Social Work...Nurse?

[emma34]

I'm interested in moving to the USA from Canada. I'm hoping California. I'm currently a social worker (completing my MSW here) but am considering perhaps doing a nursing degree thinking it would help my chances of being able to move to the states (also I have always wanted to be a nurse...).

What are the chances I would get hired as a social worker in California (assuming I become licensed)....does anyone know what the job market is like?

If I want to be a nurse in California, should I do schooling here in Canada (WAY cheaper) or should I move down to do it in the states (way more expensive but perhaps less hassle with immigration?)

Thanks for all your advice! My husband is a lawyer is also considering his options...we are just starting to research so please forgive my lack of knowledge.

[loriangel14, RN]

Going to nursing school in the US will not make immigration any easier.You will still have to go through the normal process.

[Nonetheless]

Finding a job as a new grad is BRUTAL in California. New grads can take over a year to find their first job.

[Sam J.]

Despite the crisis in nursing jobs here the U.S. still is importing 1000's of foreign nurses under the guise that there is a nursing shortage. This is pure fantasy. I also know social workers here than cannot find work (in health care arenas). Might want to start talking to an immigration lawyer, maybe one on each side of the border?

[loriangel14, RN]

She doesn't need an immigration lawyer, as a Canadian nurse she could apply for a Tn visa. finding a job would be the problem.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

California used to hire Canadian nurses, social workers and PTs without a problem. That's all changed since 2011, because their own locally educated nurses are not finding jobs. The BON has essentially shut out international nurses, unless you have 2 years experience and a specialty such as ICU, OR, ER, or an advanced practise degree.

I had wanted to move to California myself, and I have family there. I also have nursing experience, but not in those areas. Until nursing improves overall, a move to California is very unlikely, especially for new grads. Travel nursing is a possibility, but you'll require 2 years full time experience in something first.

Unless you're willing to settle in rural areas, the days of migrating are over for now in the US. When I applied to Santa Barbara in 2010, the recruiter informed me that she had 600 applications for two positions. She also informed me that 2 years nursing experience was the requirement to be considered, due to the volume of applicants.