Need Advice re: Canadian Nurse Moving to US

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Good morning:

A little background: I am an RPN who is currently in a bridging program working towards my BScN. I have just over a year left of my program. Once I have completed my program, I would like to move my family to the US. Preferably to a southern state - South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, etc.

My husband and I have previously worked in the US on a visa (in another field), and am certain this is what I would like to do, so we would like to get a Green Card right away and become a permanent resident.

I know there are other posts but I do have some specific questions. Obviously I will meet with a lawyer as I get closer to my graduation date, but would love some advice from people who have been in similar situations.

-Do I have to apply for a TN visa, or can I apply directly for a green card?

-Can anyone outline the process: ie. when I write NCLEX, when I apply for visa/green card, when I start applying to hospitals, etc.

-Do I need a certain amount of nursing experience to get down to the US? If so, would my RPN experience suffice?

-At what point should I involve a lawyer? Can I write the licensing exam(s) first, or would you recommend enlisting a lawyer from the beginning?

-Any lists of good recruitment agencies?

-I obviously want to bring my family with me, which includes my husband and two young children. My eldest daughter was actually born in the US and has dual citizenship, so I'm not concerned about her status, but are there any considerations for my husband and other child?

-Any other valuable advice would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Rebecca~

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum as per the red banner

Green cards are currently under retrogression so way forward would be TN visa which would allow you to work whilst your GC application is going through the system. Your family could go with you on your TN visa however i do not think your husband will be able to work unless he gets a TN visa of his own. Either way for TN and GC you need a employer.

I would say once you have completed your bridging and passed CRNE apply to the state you plan to live and work, go through the process for foreign trained and sit and pass NCLEX then look for a employer as they are the ones that need to supply a employment letter for TN visa or apply for the GC as GC in your case is employment driven

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Thank you! And sorry for the discretion with the section - I thought I had posted in the International Forum.

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Are you a psychiatric RN or a Practical Nurse in Ontario?

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Hey guys,

Do you know of any websites that can provide details about RN wanting to move to U.S. I am really confused here.

Thanks

NEWBIE

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Hey guys,

Do you know of any websites that can provide details about RN wanting to move to U.S. I am really confused here.

Thanks

NEWBIE

Where do you want to move to? Starting point would be meeting license requirements for a foreign trained nurse for that state, then it would be finding a employer, decide which route you want to take (immigrant, NAFTA) and take it from there

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