Hi guys,
I am a RN in Nepal, now i am in USA, what are the criteria to work as a Nurse in the US, How can i find the hospital who can sponsor  me  ? i  am totally unknown about it, i am in F1 status now. Pls help ..

Go to CGFNS.org or search for older sajha threads with similar subject.

1st thing you have to do is get license from the state. i don't know but may be you have to go through cgfns for that. if you have a bachelor degree, then you might get h1b, if not then you will have to wait in backlog for long time.

Get the license (NCLEX) for the states that don't need CGFNS. I know CA, NM don't need CGNFS. They require just NCLEX. If you go the website of Nursing board of those states, you will find the way to start. Don't worry about the sponsorship. You will get that easily once you get your license. If I am not wrong, you also have to pass IELTS (overall band 6.5 being 7.0 on listening). I would suggest to focus on NCLEX first.

FYI, you don't need H1B. They will sponsor directly green card.

 

Thank you guys .. can anyone tell me how long it takes to have Credential from California nursing board , is there anyone who has done it recently, i will be very glad to talk to them so i will have clear understanding about it .

sheel, yes they can directly get greencard but for that they have to wait for long time. atleast today they have to wait in backlog. may be they will change the rule later but for now if you are only
RN  and dont have BSN in nursing , then you dont have any option rather than waitng for backloged visa numbers.

if you have BSN you can atleast apply for h1b(h1b requires 16 yrs of education)

Nirvana,

I believe people can get work permit if they pass NCLEX. Why would I care if my green card gets longer to get approved. I may be wrong....though..

I know some states do not require CGFNS test but you can do your Credential Evaluation from them. Most states require this. They also verify your English test. This has to be done BEFORE the actual NCLEX test.

Registered Nurse Work Visa General Information: The Registered Nurse Work Visa classification has changed several times in the last 20 years. The H-1A Visa classification was enabled through the Nursing Relief Act of 1989 but was later terminated on September 1, 1995. Then in 1999, the United States experienced a shortage of nurses and created the H-1C Nurse Visa Classification.

The H-1C Nurse Work Visa program was authorized by the United States Congress through the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Area Act of 1999. However, the H-1C Visa classification expired on June 13, 2005.

There is currently no specific nurse visa available in the United States. However, there are two ways that foreign individuals wishing to work as registered nurses in the United States can apply:

• H-1B Work Visa for Skilled Workers
• TN NAFTA Work Visa (only available to Canadian and Mexican citizens)

H-1B Visa Eligibility Requirements: In order for the petitioning employer to hire a foreign RN (registered nurse), the registered nurse must qualify for a specialty occupation. Although general RNs will not typically be eligible for H-1B Visa status, certain specialized nursing occupations are likely to require a bachelor’s or higher degree as the minimum requirement for entry into that specialized field. Consequently, those positions have a great chance of satisfying the H-1B Visa requirements. Other requirements may be a state license to practice the occupation, completion of degree, experience and expertise.

TN Visa Eligibility Requirements: Registered nurses are also on the list of approved NAFTA professions. Note that a TN Visa is only available to citizens of Canada or Mexico, while the H-1B Visa classification is open for other nationals.
http://www.usimmigrationsupport.org/visa_nurse.html

sheel, they have to wait for at least three years to apply work permit. they get work permit only after applying 485 and for that they have to wait.
nurses dont have schedule a visa anymore. so they are considered as EB3 and wait time for EB3 is pretty long

Hi All,

        Thanks for sharing,but there is still something missing.Let me explain whatever i know, if u guys don't mind.

1. A nurse with RN degree from Nepal must have a license to work as a RN in U.S.

2. To get a license u have to pass NCLEX exam from the state board of ur choice.

3. Some states require credential evaluation of ur previous education but some doesn't. Check requirements of the  board.

4. You can do ur credential evaluation from cgfns.Visit www.cgfns.org.

5.Sheel is correct, some boards require english proficiency before taking NCLEX. You can take either IBT or IELTS.(for ielts 6.5 overall and 7 for speaking).

6. Once you have RN license then take english exam if u haven't,coz passing score in english is mandatory for foreign educated nurses to get greencard.

7. Now search for hospitals that provide sponsership,or u can go through recruiters.

8.The hospital /recruiter will do all ur paperworks like filing for work permit and adjustment of status(greencard).After 60 days of filing u will get work permit and can start ur job.

9.It will take 1-2 yr for Greencard.

BUT,the situation is different since the last 20 months coz SCHEDULE A(which is specially for RN and PT)is no longer available so the nurses fall under EB3 which is in severe retrogression since last july.Plz do not be disheartened,prepare for ur license exam.America still needs foreign nurses .They will definitely lift retrogression or will start schedule A again.There is much possibility for Sche.A then EB3.

Finally, all the best for exam and ur future.