Some thoughts on getting a H-1 visa

[pchan]

I would like to share my thoughts on how to go about getting a H-1B visa for a BSN graduate. As you know, there is an abundance of ADN graduates in the US, many of whom are still looking for work. There are, however, higher level administrative, managerial and specialty positions that cannot be filled by the recent ADN graduates. I have found that the chances of getting a sponsor is much better if the nurse interviews personally with the sponsor. Home health agencies are often an overlooked source of employment in the US. For those of you who are waiting for the next round of H-1B visas, I suggest you enroll in an MSN program. Having an MSN degree would qualify you for the EB2 category which presently has no retrogression.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

Do you have a H1 visa?

[pchan]

I help nurses get their H-1B visas.

[pchan]

Someone asked me if new BSN grads can get H-1B visas. The answer is yes. The H-1B regulations only require that the position requires at a minimum a bachelor's degree. If the employer is willing to offer the qualifying position, the visa will be approved.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

But why are employers (sponsors) going to offer jobs to non-US citizens when our unemployment rate is the highest in 30 years?? We have plenty of qualified US citizens for all our nursing jobs and nursing jobs are very competitive at the moment.

[pchan]

Your point is well taken. I'm just stating the law. In reality, I've seen MD/BSN being sponsored because of their knowledge and skills.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

I do not think having new grads is in the spirit of the H1B visa. It may be approved, but I would be nervous if ever audited. My visa has the same requirements as the H1, and I know at interview they are very particular about asking about my EXPERIENCE as well as my degrees - I just had my interview yesterday to renew my visa actually, and they basically are saying "why do they need to hire YOU?"

When you say you "help" nurses get H1 visas, do you mean that you are paid to do so? In that case, it is in your interests for more people to get them, rather than the right people to get them. I think it's dangerous to take advice from someone who makes money whether you get the right visa or not.

[pchan]

You are entitled to your own opinion, but I'm just stating what the law says.

[Nurse!Nurse!Hello?]

Someone asked me if new BSN grads can get H-1B visas. The answer is yes. The H-1B regulations only require that the position requires at a minimum a bachelor's degree. If the employer is willing to offer the qualifying position, the visa will be approved.

Although it is probably not your intent, I think you are giving false hope to a lot of new foreign BSNs by your comments. Although the minimum requirement is a BSN, traditionally the H1B visa has been used by employers to hire advanced practice nurses or nurses with specialized training. New BSN graduates with no experience or training in a specialized field would rarely be granted an H1B visa. There are plenty of new BSN graduates in the US to fill available entry-level positions. It's hard to imagine that any employer--in this economic climate-- would even consider attempting to hire a new foreign BSN grad for an entry-level position. It's an unnecessary expense at this time.

You said you want to "help" nurses obtain their H1B visas; is your interest in "helping" financially motivated, or are you just being altruistic? Offering false hope to new grads isn't really "helping" anyone.