Published Sep 11, 2013
PurpleDelight
104 Posts
I am so confused as to where to focus my job search. I have OPT status and it expires in 5 months. I am also a new grad RN and I don't know where to find a job. I know hospitals do not sponsor (been on interviews) so forget them! And I cannot seem to find agencies that hire yet alone sponsor New grads (they also say the process takes years). Everyone I call says they "used to sponsor but now ran out of visas". So what am I supposed to do? Where in America can I find a job that will sponsor me? I live in New York but I am willing to move else where for a Work visa (H-1B) or Green card sponsorship! I am so desperate now! Please help!
steppybay
1,882 Posts
What country are you from? Does it have to be a hospital job? What visa do you have now? Applied to any non-hospital jobs, like LTC, SNF, clinics, nursing homes, etc? What happens if the OPT expires? Just asking more questions so that others might be more helpful in your situation. Good luck!
I am Nigerian but I have lived in the US for 11 years. The first few years in middle/high school I was under my father's diplomatic visa then in college I switched to international student F-1 visa to maintain legality. I went to high school and Nursing school/college in the US and I have a BSN and passed my NCLEX in March. I am currently on OPT status post F-1 student visa. I am supposed to go back to Nigeria if the F-1 expires but I really don't want to go back so I need sponsorship. I am willing to work in any environment and in any US state as long as they sponsor me. Do you know where I can go?
Thanks for the update! Currently I don't know where you should go, but again, have you tried the other non-hospital jobs? Yes, I know some may still require some experience but try anyways.
I would also look into the more rural areas of the states that seems to be giving and hiring NG's a job, such as AK, AR, GA, IA, KS, KY, LA, MO, MS as examples. Understand that in rural settings, it's not going to be anything like being in the fast city life of NY with all the restaurants, night life, etc. but just to get the experience needed.
The cost of the sponsorship is another thing due to the cost to the medical facilities, but maybe some places might have a lower cost if the demand is needed so badly but can't attract the nurses that's willing to work under those certain conditions, but it's a start. Good luck!
Silverdragon102, BSN
1 Article; 39,477 Posts
H1b usually requires experience. Even if you get a greencard/immigrant sponsor/employer you can not stay in the US and wait the several years for a visa unless you maintain your F1 status. Also be aware if you are not working and using OPT then you may find you are out of status which can have an impact on you staying in the US. Usually OPT requires you to be working within a certain period of time for it to maintain validity. From what I can see when I google you have to find work within 60-90 days but check with your student advisor
What if I move to a state with a nursing shortage do you think they would sponsor?
You know that this perceived "nursing shortage" is partly a myth....and the other partial truth is that it's more applicable to experienced nurses. Before moving to a nursing shortage state wherever that is, make sure you actually have a written job offer in hand.
Even if you find a sponsor for green card in a state that has difficulty with nurses you still can't stay whilst waiting for pd to become current. H1b well that will depend on employer but also suggest you research H1b requirements and check you meet them
oadewoye
63 Posts
PM me and lets talk off line....if you are still looking?
PM me and lets talk....