Well for undocumented students who have gotten into competitive nursing programs and completed it and now find yourselves not knowing what to do, here is my story... I was brought to the U.S. at the very young age of 7, did great in school, high school, and got a full ride scholarship to college. Knowing that I was good in school, I was attracted to "hard" classes and programs. I took my pre-pharm classess and my prerequisistes for nursing school. I got into nursing school right away and managed to get into hospitals w/o any problems. The moment came where I had to take NCLEX and I couldn't bc of lack of proper documentation. I ended up doing construction under Arizona's hot summers for 2 years looking for ways to get a visa or even take NCLEX but all was a dead end. I prayed and fasted for 21 days asking Jesus Christ for that opportunity to take the exam; I was exponentially forgetting the material. I began searching again, fixated and not willing to give up when I found a state that was willing to give me the chance, the chance we all worked so hard for. I took NCLEX after 2 years and only 3 wks revewing. I took all 6 hours trying my hardest to answer ALL questions correct. I left the testign center feeling like everyone else, nauseous, worried, thinking of the two long years that have passed by and all the struggles I had to face just to take the exam. I did the PVT and got the good pop-up, I didn't tell anyone until I was 100% certain, paid the 8 dollars and there it was, a humble "PASS." To you, the undocumented student or graduate, there is hope. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, give up, it's not a nurses quality.
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
What is undocumented status? Like illegal immigrant?
Yes. No legal visa/unlawful presence within the United States. No documents (visa, permanent residence status/green card or citizenship papers) to show lawful presence in the US and as such not entitled to the same rights and benefits of someone legally present in the US. Technically per US regulations a professional license can only be issued to a citizen, permanent resident, or non-citizen with a valid work visa.
Yes. No legal visa/unlawful presence within the United States. No documents (visa, permanent residence status/green card or citizenship papers) to show lawful presence in the US and as such not entitled to the same rights and benefits of someone legally present in the US. Technically per US regulations a professional license can only be issued to a citizen, permanent resident, or non-citizen with a valid work visa.
Really. But she came to the US at age 7, how can she still be undocumented. She finished college. I am still at lost. How can be someone issued a license if your illegal immigrant? I know you can hide in the states as an illegal immigrant and work in private nursing homes under the table.
Well if there's a Canadian equivalency probably refugee?
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Really. But she came to the US at age 7, how can she still be undocumented. She finished college. I am still at lost. How can be someone issued a license if your illegal immigrant? I know you can hide in the states as an illegal immigrant and work in private nursing homes under the table.
Well if there's a Canadian equivalency probably refugee?
Parents may have either brought her over on a travel visa or other visa that expired and never left hoping they didn't get caught. Once entering higher education or seeking legal employment the young adult discovers their presence is not lawful. Since the illegal presence as a young minor was not the "fault" of the individual there is DACA status however they do not get the same rights and privileges as a citizen, legal permanent resident, or even a valid visa holder. Some states have yet to implement the federal mandate requiring a valid SSN or other proof of lawful status to issue a professional license. CA now will accept an ITIN though not everyone qualified for one.
There are limitations to DACA status and it's not automatically granted. It's not a refugee status in the US
Parents may have either brought her over on a travel visa or other visa that expired and never left hoping they didn't get caught. Once entering higher education or seeking legal employment the young adult discovers their presence is not lawful. Since the illegal presence as a young minor was not the "fault" of the individual there is DACA status however they do not get the same rights and privileges as a citizen, legal permanent resident, or even a valid visa holder. Some states have yet to implement the federal mandate requiring a valid SSN or other proof of lawful status to issue a professional license. CA now will accept an ITIN though not everyone qualified for one.
There are limitations to DACA status and it's not automatically granted. It's not a refugee status in the US
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Pleas help me, I'm looking for a state (other Nebraska) that will issue a nursing license to a DACA recipient.
Nebraska has denied my application for not being a US citizen.
Do you have work rights and a SSN? Many DACA are given temp work rights. Citizenship is not a requirement. Lawful presence is whether citizen, valid visa, or permanent resident status.
If you live in NE you are automatically ineligible for any other compact state due to residence in a compact state.
Hi my name is Johan, Im in a bit of a problem. Here it is i have daca and been accepted to the ADN program from lonestar college cyfair in houston tx, the problem is that they have told me that inorder to attend clinicalsi need to be a citizen, permanent resident, or have a f-1 student visa. once again i only have daca and i have not spoken to anyone at the school about it. Im afraid that they will reject me and give my spot to another student on the wait list. Im suppose to take a criminal backgroud check and get my finger prints taken. will anything about my immigration stus pop up in the background check? or will i be able to attend by just playing a fool and not mentioning to anyone? any help? ill like to find out as soon as possible so i can chage careers although i spent 2 years for this opportunity...
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Hi my name is Johan, Im in a bit of a problem. Here it is i have daca and been accepted to the ADN program from lonestar college cyfair in houston tx, the problem is that they have told me that inorder to attend clinicalsi need to be a citizen, permanent resident, or have a f-1 student visa. once again i only have daca and i have not spoken to anyone at the school about it. Im afraid that they will reject me and give my spot to another student on the wait list. Im suppose to take a criminal backgroud check and get my finger prints taken. will anything about my immigration stus pop up in the background check? or will i be able to attend by just playing a fool and not mentioning to anyone? any help? ill like to find out as soon as possible so i can chage careers although i spent 2 years for this opportunity...
Contact an immigration attorney for advice. If you cannot prove the required immigration status your acceptance can be rescinded
Hi op, you mentioned you graduated 2 years ago and studied for 3 weeks to take the nclex. Do you mind sharing how you studied, or which resources you used?
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Hi op, you mentioned you graduated 2 years ago and studied for 3 weeks to take the nclex. Do you mind sharing how you studied, or which resources you used?
The OP hasn't been on this site since June 2012....and graduated in 2009/10. The test has changed at least twice since then
I know this is kind of late but I wanted to post something about my situation since I had a hard time finding any information on this topic. I graduated from an ADN program in Georgia and didn't realize that I may not even be able to get my nursing license until after I graduated. It did take longer to get approved to test with DACA, even a couple of phone calls to the BON, but I was finally approved and passed my NCLEX last week:)
JustBeachyNurse, LPN
13,957 Posts
Yes. No legal visa/unlawful presence within the United States. No documents (visa, permanent residence status/green card or citizenship papers) to show lawful presence in the US and as such not entitled to the same rights and benefits of someone legally present in the US. Technically per US regulations a professional license can only be issued to a citizen, permanent resident, or non-citizen with a valid work visa.