Using Student Visa during Retrogression

[healthcpg]

With what I heard yesterday, I think the democrats will do what they do best which is make promises to poor American communities and later do nothing about it. Come the end of the year, we will still be talking of the same retrogression story. Every party is being cautious of not side stepping or over stepping against NEXT YEAR PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

MY QUESTION TO SUSAN AND LAWRENCE is HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO APPROVE 50,000 VISAS TO SOLVE THE LAST RETROGRESSION IN 2005?

Hospitals are teaming up with Universities and Colleges to find other solutions to the RETROGRESSION PROBLEM. And the consuls in various American Embassies and consulates worldwide are supporting it, by granting students visas to many nurses to study here in the US. Example is the Christian University issue with Korean Nurses.

While you all wait, lots of nurses overseas are going into US and England with students F-1 Visas from Universities and Colleges ($3500 tuition and fees for 19 weeks) which allows them to work 20hrs a week, while they are waiting for the Green card retrogression, the F-1 is renewed as needed. (http://www.foreignnurseseducation.com/files/admission/admission.php). You either wait in your country or in US legally, its your choice. Even if you did not get the student visa, you still can apply for the green card when it finally come out. I have 8 of my friends who have gone for the student visa and 7 of them got the visa. I am currently waiting for my CES from CGFNS to go for my student visa. Students get stipend while they study for their NCLEX. Affiliated hospitals pay this stipend. http://www.foreignnurseseducation.com. I am not trying to change anybodies mind here but if the option is there, I think we should all know about it.

[miniem67]

I am an RN and I am also currently on an F-1 visa. Like someone suggested ealier into the discussion when you go this route just make sure you have enough savings to last through the times school is in session because you will only be able to work 20 hrs a week and that's nothing. I finished my BSN, worked for a yr using my OPT, i missed the 2007 open window for the submission of the paperwork for the green card because i didnt have my visa screen then. I however am not so sad that i didnt submit my paperwork because if I had then it would have been difficult to maintain my f-1 since you cant have immigrant intent on that visa and my international advisor told me that aubmitting the paperwork can cause USCIS to deny your application for OPT or any student visa. After my yr of OPT was up, I applied to a Master's program and my hospital pays for my program. When school is in session the requirement is I work 20 hrs a week but when school is not and during the summer (since we are not required to take classes during the summer on the F-1 visa) then I work full time. This had worked for me, I get my masters paid for and i get to wait the retrogression out. I would say talk to your nursing recruitment department they will usually pay for your studies in return for a work commitment of a yr or so.

[nars_06]

miniem67, may i ask where you finished your nursing degree? where you got your f1 visa, is it outside US?

it would not be a problem for me if i earn minimal since my husband is GC and already working there, our GC would be filed when he becomes citizen as not to affect the F1 visa..

thank you in advance!

[miniem67]

miniem67, may i ask where you finished your nursing degree? where you got your f1 visa, is it outside US?

it would not be a problem for me if i earn minimal since my husband is GC and already working there, our GC would be filed when he becomes citizen as not to affect the F1 visa..

thank you in advance!

I did my BSN here in the US. I originally got my F-1 before I even started nursing school (I have a previous bachelor's in pychology and biology) so after graduation I just went straight to an Accelerated nursing program here in the US. My situation is similar to yours in that my husband is a permanent resident and due to the time it takes if he files for me while not a citizen, we waited so he could become a citizen first and also so we could maintan my F-1 status. he has submitted his paperwork, did fingerprints, just waiting for an interview date. So its unlikely i will go the Eb3 way once he is a citizen.

[nars_06]

that's an encouraging thought and what a relief that must be for the both of you to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel..having his citizenship..now, i am encouraged to go for the GSA program, but i'm concerned about what suzanne4 posted a while back that they are processing J1 visa instead of F1, that i must verify with them..

thanks a lot!

[suzanne4, RN]

hi i just want to ask as well about global services alliance. since i'm also considering to avail of their service..i am fully aware of suzanne's point on it's downside..but i think i have a different case..you see, i am married to a GC holder and he is currently in sacto while me and my daughter are here in the philippines..the separation makes us insane..i already passed my nclex in cali and will have IELTS this month..my visa screen is in process..my main goal is just to stay in the US even if working fo 20hours even with limited income..what's important for me is that my family is complete..until my husband becomes citizen and we can change status..

do you think i have a point here or i am just raving..haha..need your inputs..thank you in advance!

If you come over on the J-1 visa, then you have to leave the US for two years. This is what you are failing to understand. That visa is not permitted to be adjusted to anything else. So that could actually make things worse for you.

[foxyrn23]

to healthcpg: all salute to your message!