When should I apply for VisaScreen?

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After all the processing for CES, BON MO and finally got the eligibility letter to test (ATT), I am finally going to take NCLEX-RN this coming July 5 in Kansas City, Missouri. Though I am not yet very sure if I am already ready to take, but by faith I am doing it.

My question is, should I order the VisaScreen (CGFNS) now even before sitting and passing the test or should I wait until I passed NCLEX? And how long does it take to get VisaScreen certificate after passing all the requiired documents?

And for IELTS/TOEFL/TOIEC requirement, when is the best time to take it, before taking nclex or after passing.

By the way, I am a Filipino RN.

I will really appreciate all your inputs.

More power RNs!

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

Due to the waiting times for a visa I would suggest waiting until you PD is getting close to being current as vsc only valid for 5 years and waiting times if born in the Philippines is 8 years.

Moved to the Advice on Immigration forum

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Thanks Silverdragon102...my question is, how to get PD?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

You need a employer and PD is the date your I140 is approved. Once you have that date you keep an eye on the US Visa Bulletin and the EB dates. Nurses generally come under EB3

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This is the one for greencard right? how about applying for a working visa only, h1B? This is faster than greencard, right?

Thanks for the information.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
This is the one for greencard right? how about applying for a working visa only, h1B? This is faster than greencard, right?

Thanks for the information.

You can't apply for H1B only an employer can. You must be a highly experienced, specialized nurse for an employer to consider accepting the financial & legal burdens to apply for an H1B on your behalf. All costs must be paid by the employer by law. And it's not faster if you don't qualify

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Thanks JustBeachyNurse.

SO if I can find an employer who is willing to sponsor me, working visa is much faster as long as I am qualified.

With regards to qualification, I have a very minimal work experience in the hospital and classroom setting (it's a long story so I better not elaborate it). However, I finished my MSN last 2014 from Loma Linda University (California). Will this give me a better chance of qualifying for a working visa?

I really apologize for all these questions. I just really need to get into nursing. I've been working since 2013 but not in the nursing field (again, it's a long story) here in Thailand. And starting last year, I have this very strong desire to get back to nursing and practice what I am trained for and going back to the Philippines is not a very good idea since Philippines has a LOT of nurses and of course, add to that the very disproportionate compensation you get.

I really appreciate all your inputs.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Thanks JustBeachyNurse.

SO if I can find an employer who is willing to sponsor me, working visa is much faster as long as I am qualified.

With regards to qualification, I have a very minimal work experience in the hospital and classroom setting (it's a long story so I better not elaborate it). However, I finished my MSN last 2014 from Loma Linda University (California). Will this give me a better chance of qualifying for a working visa?

I really apologize for all these questions. I just really need to get into nursing. I've been working since 2013 but not in the nursing field (again, it's a long story) here in Thailand. And starting last year, I have this very strong desire to get back to nursing and practice what I am trained for and going back to the Philippines is not a very good idea since Philippines has a LOT of nurses and of course, add to that the very disproportionate compensation you get.

I really appreciate all your inputs.

Without any nursing experience there is minimal reason/incentive for an employer to go through the time and expense of visa sponsorship. Especially in highly impacted areas like CA, NY, IL. There are hundreds of applicants per job opening, most are citizens and permanent residents with no need for sponsorship.

Your last educational experience was two years ago and you stated that you have zero work experience as an RN. You didn't say what your MSN is in I'm guessing not in a clinical area.

You may wish to consider even if low pay seeking nursing experience in the Philippines to make yourself marketable to employers. You won't qualify for H1B with no experience.

It's an employer's market meaning there are many more nurses seeking jobs than positions open. Most employers need/are seeking specialized (critical care, OR, ER, LDRP), experienced (5+ paid years working in the specialty) nurses.

It's not impossible but will be difficult since you say you have no paid nursing experience.

Are you qualified to work as a nurse in Thailand?

The other big concern may be recency of nursing practice. You won't likely meet the requirements for AUS. NZ requires a minimum of 2 years.

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I see.wow, seems like my chance of getting a work is very slim. My MSN training is in Nursing Education, more on being a Clinical Instructor. I need a Thai license to work in Thailand and I have to sit in their exam, in Thai language and Thai alphabet :( :( unfortunately i am not very good in learning new language.

Thanks for the information.

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You can only get a H1B visa if you have a job that requires at least a bachelor's degree to perform. RN doesn't meet this criteria, even if you have a BSN, as you only need an associates degree to be an RN. Even if the facility chooses to only accept BSNs and won't employ ADNs the job will not be eligible for a H1B visa as RNs can be associate or certificate trained. If however you were an advanced level nurse such as an NP who was being employed in a highly specialised role that might be different. I would check with a good immigration lawyer to see what you can do.

BTW are you eligible for OPT after your MSN degree? That might get you enough nursing experience to apply to somewhere like Australia?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I see.wow, seems like my chance of getting a work is very slim. My MSN training is in Nursing Education, more on being a Clinical Instructor. I need a Thai license to work in Thailand and I have to sit in their exam, in Thai language and Thai alphabet :( :( unfortunately i am not very good in learning new language.

Thanks for the information.

How can you be a clinical instructor/nurse educator with no paid nursing or clinical experience. You will have a difficult time securing a job as a clinical instructor. Minimum 2 years paid bedside experience for LPN clinical instructors and 5+ (in dedicated area whether med surg, LDRP, pediatrics, psychiatric etc) paid work experience to even be considered for an adjunct clinical instructor in my state per BoN regulations

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Yeah, perfectly right. With the logic of human mind, it is very clear that it is not possible for me to get a nursing job in the US in the near future. I will just do my best and let God do the rest. I believe that God can do the impossible if it is His will for me to get a nursing job in the US. If not, I believe God might have a better plan for me somewhere else, which I believe will be best for me.

Thank you so much for input. It made me prepared for whatever the outcome of my plans :)

Have a blessed day!

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