OPT for RNs

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How does OPT work for RNs? I think Computer, Engineering and Technology get OPT for almost 2 years. Does anybody know why RNs get it only for a year?

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What is OPT?

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Optional Practical Training.

after graduation, we can work by using OPT. But I am wondering how long RNs are allowed to work for. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics can work for 27 months ( I think) under OPT. I am wondering if it's the same with nursing.

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OPT is for international students who finish their degree in the USA. RN's have only one year .after that you'll have to change visa status for H1 . For you to get H1 you should have a 4 year degree completed in the USA. If you have a ADN that doesn't qualify for H1 visa. Are you an international student? Believe me, I know how it feels. :)

You can find these information on the internet.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

OPT for RN is only 12 months and after that you have to get a work visa allowing you to stay in the US. No guarantee you will get a H1b as that is specialised and usually a new grad isn't specialised. Once OPT is up and you haven't got a work visa then you either have to maintain student visa or return home. With retrogression there is currently no other way to stay in the US and work if you do not qualify for H1b

Moved to the International forum

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ya, I am an inernational student..and am about to graduate...so i just wanna know how this thing work...

so are we allowed to apply for H1 visa like other majors do? i thought that there was a different provision for international nursing students in the past.

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Reply to Silverdragon102: this is the thing I do not like about the 12 month OPT period because after it's over and if we do not have H1B, we cant work and we need to go back to school. but good grad schools ask for couple of years of experiences to get admission and scholarship.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Just because you trained in the country doesn't give you rights to stay. For most it is expected once you have completed your training your intent is to return home to work. As long as you meet H1b requirements and find a employer willing to pay the H1b fees and employ you there is nothing stopping them from applying for the H1b visa however the employer has to prove that they can not employ locally with a USC or someone who already has PR which in the current US unemployment situation may be hard.

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OPT is 12 months per person (combining BS, MS, and PhD). You can postpond your graduate to spring, then apply H1B in April. While you are waiting H1B approval, you are allowed to work under OPT.

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Reply to Silverdragon102: this is the thing I do not like about the 12 month OPT period because after it's over and if we do not have H1B, we cant work and we need to go back to school. but good grad schools ask for couple of years of experiences to get admission and scholarship.

Or you can go back to your home country ...

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