PLEASE ADVICE!!

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 21, 2014

Hi every one!!
Glory be to god!!
Im from INDIA , completed my my B.sc nursing 4 yrs course in 2011 . Currently im taking my online coaching classes for NCLEX and TOEFL . My dream was to work in US as a nurse since my childhood. But i don't have anybody to guide me as everybody in my family are from other fields , I don't know which place to choose in US to work , and further process. I'm really posting this with a great 'despair' , as I get insulted almost everyday by my cousins and my siblings who are from other fields and are earning well. And Im the eldest of all , I really want to prove myself that being a nurse i can do more and earn more than what they cant do..., Nobody is providing me any financial support from my family , but i heard that there are sponsorship agencies which would ask us to sign for 2 yrs contract..., Is it is true??
Kindly suggest!!

First, do you have work rights? Do you have a valid-for-work social security number? Do you have paid work experience as a registered nurse? If so, do you have specialty training with 2 or more years experience, such as critical care, pacu, ICU, NICU, ED, OR, etc?

NCLEX is but one step in the process to licensing in the US. You cannot take the NCLEX with out authorization from a board of nursing. You need to review your chosen board of nursing's requirements for licensing as a registered nurse by examination as an internationally educated nurse. Most states require a credential evaluation by CGFNS but not all states. Nearly all states list the requirements for internationally educated nurses online. Several states will not even accept your application without a valid social security number and fees are not refundable (California, Arizona, Maryland, Vermont to name a few)

Before spending time and money preparing for the TOEFL, do you know if the state board of nursing where you wish to apply then live and work requires and accepts the TORFL? Some states do not require proof of English proficiency other states prefer IELTS over TOEFL. Many states require a valid SSN to apply or receive a license.

There is not a shortage of inexperienced nurses in most if the US, especially in the major metropolitan areas such as NYC, Philadelphia, Chicago, California, Dallas. The wait for an employment based visa for someone born in India is 10-12 years due to retrogression so it is doubtful if you even found a willing employer to sponsor you they would be willing to wait and hold a job until 2024 or longer.

Some specialty areas are seeking qualified experienced nurses but obviously preference is given to US citizens and permanent residents then US educated nurses. Since the specialty visa requires the employer to pay all costs and fees few are willing and many nursing jobs do not qualify for the visa.

No one can tell you which state to live and work in. If by chance you get a temporary work visa you often have to prove you have funds or financial support to sustain yourself, health and living expenses

If you have no significant paid experience as an RN the chances of coming to the US are very slim.

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 21, 2014

Moved to the Immigration forum as you have a couple of things to look at. As mentioned in previous post you have to be aware of retrogression and you are affected by it. Next you have to meet state requirements which will vary from state to state. Links can be found at the bottom of the page to the state boards of nursing

Rinky, RN · May 22, 2014

Thank you for ur reply JustBeachyNurse , Silverdragon102

I planned for new york actually , now ill check with the state requirements as you said, I have 1 yr experience in GICU . I really dont know what is retrogression , could you please explain if you dont mind?

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 22, 2014

Retrogression basically means too big demand for actual visas allocated. Certain countries have a higher demand so therefore takes much longer to wait for a immigrant visa. If you do a search for US visa bulletin and look for current month, scroll down to EB3 (this is where nurses generally come under) you will see what sort of wait you have and visas are allocated by place of birth. India has a very long wait so much harder to find employer willing to wait

steppybay · May 22, 2014

Thank you for ur reply JustBeachyNurse , Silverdragon102
I planned for new york actually , now ill check with the state requirements as you said, I have 1 yr experience in GICU . I really dont know what is retrogression , could you please explain if you dont mind?

You may wish to Google some of the catch words such as, Retrogression for India, how long is the retrogression for India, etc. to get a better understanding. Good luck.