US jobs for foreign nurses living in the US

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Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone could help me out in my dilemma. I am a foreign graduate nurse. I have passed all the exams needed for a nurse to work in the US namely CGFNS, IELTS and NCLEX. I also have a visascreen certificate. However, I have no nursing experience post graduation. I am currently living in the US on a dependent visa with my spouse and I was hoping that someone could help me find out the options I have employment wise.

If anyone could refer me to any agency or company who processes nurses like my case that would be a really BIG help... life changing I would say! :o

I would really appreciate any input!!!

Thank you so much! ;)

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What is a dependant visa? If it is a H4 visa, I don't think you can do any type of work. The only way that you may able to do some work is to change status to an F1 student visa. But you are already an RN. You might be able to do an RN to BSN if you do not have a bachelors degree yet, but it's really expensive. I know that international students can work for 1 year in their chosen field after they get their degree. It is pretty unfair that they do not allow spouses of H1 visa holders to work.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

Does that mean you are a permanent, legal resident?

If it does, then in my eyes you need to go through what all other new grads go through. Find someone willing to invest in you as a new nurse.

Good luck.

J

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thanks for your reply...

dependent visa is an H4 visa. and I am not a permanent legal resident yet. It's really frustrating. I understand about the visa limitations of H4 holders which is why I'm looking into other options that I might have particularly finding a company who is willing to sponsor me for a work visa or I have also heard of limited permit visas in New York.

I already have a bachelor's degree in nursing... I hope anyone knows of a company or agency who could answer my problem...

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You might want to post this in the International Forum or PM Silverdragon102. She is the expert in regards to visa status, and working in the US.

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You might want to post this in the International Forum or PM Silverdragon102. She is the expert in regards to visa status, and working in the US.

thanks! I will! :)

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Education.

Do you have an immigration lawyer? If so, he/she should be able to help you with your resident status. As for the job. Try NC. Good luck!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Moved to the International forum

Welcome :)

Currently having no experience you will find it hard to change visa enabling you to work. H1b visa is specialist visa and without experience you will struggle to find a employer especially when there are many more US nurses struggling to find work (great numbers are new grads) For immigrant visa you are affected by retrogression so even if you find a employer willing to sponsor you you can not adjust status and work.

Chatting to a immigrant lawyer may help with options but I think you will find it hard at the moment

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Do you have an immigration lawyer? If so, he/she should be able to help you with your resident status. As for the job. Try NC. Good luck!

I don't have an immigration lawyer yet but I'm looking to having one... Thanks!

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Moved to the International forum

Welcome :)

Currently having no experience you will find it hard to change visa enabling you to work. H1b visa is specialist visa and without experience you will struggle to find a employer especially when there are many more US nurses struggling to find work (great numbers are new grads) For immigrant visa you are affected by retrogression so even if you find a employer willing to sponsor you you can not adjust status and work.

Chatting to a immigrant lawyer may help with options but I think you will find it hard at the moment

Thanks Silverdragon... I might just consult with an immigration lawyer to find out what options I have. So far, no positive response from any hospital or agency... :confused:

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Specializes in ICU.

I feel I am in the same position. H4 visa, BSN with 20yrs experience (14 in ICU) and with job offer. Even with an immigration lawyer the change of visa seems futile. They are advising a Green Card - which can take 4-6 yrs?

I really feel for anyone in our situations... Is there nothing else we can do?

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Specializes in CTICU.

You are not in the same position. You are Australian and can avail yourself of the E-3 visa. Your spouse can also work on the E-3D visa with an EAD and no job restrictions. Much better than H1B/H4.

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