Will I be an international nurse?

suzanne4, RN · Jul 2, 2005

If you do not hold a US passport, then you would be considered international.

Please make sure that you file for an OPT before you graduate, otherwise you will need to wait at least 60-90 days to begin work, after you have an agency or hospital to petition for you.

You will be required to follow the steps for getting a green card, except that you do will not have the English requirement. Everything else applies to you.

loved · Jul 4, 2005

If you do not hold a US passport, then you would be considered international.
Please make sure that you file for an OPT before you graduate, otherwise you will need to wait at least 60-90 days to begin work, after you have an agency or hospital to petition for you.
You will be required to follow the steps for getting a green card, except that you do will not have the English requirement. Everything else applies to you.

Thank you suzanne4. I read a lot of postings these a couple days, and I saw a lot of good suggestions given by you. You are so cool!

I noticed that you emphasized the importance of getting OPT asap; however, in my case, I used all my opt for my previous (M.A.) degree. So, I don't have any opt to apply for. My program is a short one, a year only, which does not give me too much time to navigate.

Base on what I read, this is my understanding: I should be considered as a u.s. trained international nurse when I finish my program (then pass the license test). Right?

suzanne4, RN · Jul 4, 2005

Yes, but you will still need to go thru the immigration process. Because you will not be able to use the OPT, you will more than likely need to take about two to three months off after you finish school to get your AOS processed and receive your EAD. But remember that none of this can take place until after you have an employer.

loved · Jul 4, 2005

Yes, but you will still need to go thru the immigration process. Because you will not be able to use the OPT, you will more than likely need to take about two to three months off after you finish school to get your AOS processed and receive your EAD. But remember that none of this can take place until after you have an employer.

I see. Hopefully, I will find an employer soon after my school. BTW, I know EAD, but what is AOS? (And, when should I start to contact an immigration lawyer about starting the process?)

suzanne4, RN · Jul 4, 2005

AOS: Adjustment of Status

This is what is filed, so that you can get your EAD.

According to immigration rulings, if you are applying for a change in status for work, then you must meet the requirements beforehand, so nothing can actually be submitted for you until you graduate.

texancanadian · Jul 4, 2005

Hi Suzanne,

I am currently on an H4 visa pursing my ADN-RN. I would like to ask you a few questions.

1) What is the employment market currently for international nurses who currently do not have a greencard. Are there certain hospitals/sectors of the industry that are more willing than others to sponsor ? Are the hospitals where you do your clinicals the best bet ? How "aware" are most hopitals of the "immigration process".

2) Once I am licensed and registered with the state and find an employer what would be my best bet to get a job, start working and apply for the GC. (I am hoping hubby's Green Card or at least EAD comes through by the time Im ready to start working but his case has been stuck since the last 4 yrs in the stupid LaborCertification process ). Unfortunately since I dont have a bachelors degree I cant get an H1 and since im not on F1, I dont qualify for OPT, the only positive thing is I can stay on H4 and wont be out of status If I dont find a job by x date.

3) Do we need to also go through CGFNS, Visa screen and the english exams ?Any other tips/advice you can offer US trained international nurses ?

Thanks

suzanne4, RN · Jul 4, 2005

Hi Suzanne,
I am currently on an H4 visa pursing my ADN-RN. I would like to ask you a few questions.
1) What is the employment market currently for international nurses who currently do not have a greencard. Are there certain hospitals/sectors of the industry that are more willing than others to sponsor ? Are the hospitals where you do your clinicals the best bet ? How "aware" are most hopitals of the "immigration process".
2) Once I am licensed and registered with the state and find an employer what would be my best bet to get a job, start working and apply for the GC. (I am hoping hubby's Green Card or at least EAD comes through by the time Im ready to start working but his case has been stuck since the last 4 yrs in the stupid LaborCertification process ). Unfortunately since I dont have a bachelors degree I cant get an H1 and since im not on F1, I dont qualify for OPT, the only positive thing is I can stay on H4 and wont be out of status If I dont find a job by x date.
3) Do we need to also go through CGFNS, Visa screen and the english exams ?Any other tips/advice you can offer US trained international nurses ?
Thanks

If you train in the US, you do not need the English exams, but everything else applies.

You do not apply for the green card, your employer has to petition you for it. Not sure where you are living, some facilities are more receptive than others. You can get an EAD sixty to ninety days from the time that your AOS is filed (Adjustment of Status.)

Hope that this helps....................

texancanadian · Jul 4, 2005

I live in the Houston, TX area. Any suggestions on potential empoyers who may be receptive to sponsoring a new US trained RN ?

lashauncute · Jul 5, 2005

Just to let you know I am in a very similar position, the only difference is I graduate in two years. I have a maters but went into a regular BSN program. Let me know what happens, seek out for your sponsor as soon as you can.

suzanne4, RN · Jul 5, 2005

I live in the Houston, TX area. Any suggestions on potential empoyers who may be receptive to sponsoring a new US trained RN ?

Talk to them first at the facilities where you will be doing your clinicals...they are the most familiar with you................

loved · Jul 5, 2005

Talk to them first at the facilities where you will be doing your clinicals...they are the most familiar with you................

Good advice! Should I talk to their HR people?