How can I work as a registered nurse in U.S.?

May 26, 2010 12:55 PM

I really would like to get some help from somebody who knows about the regulations for international nursing in U.S.. I have ten years of nursing experiences as an registered nurse in Japan. I just graduated from a nursing program in the U.S. and would really like to work as a registered nurse. I am not a U.S. citizen and have only a student visa (F-1). I would like to apply for H1-b visa if I can find a hospital that is willing to become a sponsor. However, I have had a hard time finding a hospital and some say it is almost impossible with current immigration situations to receive a working visa for nursing.

I would like to know if anybody knows more about the situation for international nursing these days, and also I would like to know if there are any hospitals who are able to become sponsors for an international nurse.

I know an immigration lawyer might help, but I can not afford one.

Any advice will be very appreciated.
Thank you so much for reading this,

posted by Yasu to Law & Government (4 answers total)

Have you determined if you are eligible for Optional Practical Training? Once you have been approved for OPT you can work for 12 months (or longer, under certain conditions) for any employer. I know students use the OPT as a way to bridge to a H1-B visa - for the employer they're not taking as much of a chance sponsoring an H1-B for somebody who's been working for them already.

The best place to ask about OPT is your school's international student office or the unit or office in your school that handled your F-1 visa.
posted by needled at 1:43 PM on May 26, 2010 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thank you so much for your response. I did use OPT when I graduated from four years college and since I am graduating from two year college, I am not able to apply for OPT. If I wanted to apply for OPT, it only goes upper degree; either master or ph.D.
Thank you for your help thought. I appreciate it.
posted by Yasu at 6:10 PM on May 26, 2010

Last I heard, there was a nursing shortage in the US. This should make things favorable.

Failing an ordinary RN type position, I would wonder whether it suits your purposes to take something related, but not precisely the same. Say, perhaps, in private nursing? Private nursing has only grown bigger in recent years, since convalescence at home is preferred over being in hospital (home is both safer and cheaper). The pay scales involved vary according to experience and credentials, "same as in town".
posted by Goofyy at 5:03 AM on May 27, 2010

Response by poster: Thank you so much for your comments. I did check some website for "private nursing." I founds some companies that I am going to contact with them. Who knows? they may become a sponsor which will be very nice.
Thank you again,
posted by Yasu at 7:27 AM on May 27, 2010