IheartCali

Dear all,

This is the first time I’ve ever joined a forum so please bear with me as I find my feet on this new platform!
Introductions and reasons for joining…
I am a 31 year old British ICU Nurse with over 7 years post-grad experience and having lived and worked in London for a little too long, I am looking for a new start in California, where I have a lot of family and friends. I already have an offer of employment, so will be using the H1-B Speciality Occupation Visa.
Having already done some research into how I might get State Registered in California, my understanding is that firstly I need to apply to CGFNS, in order for them to request and validate my academic transcripts. Secondly, I need to find an American college who will allow me to take a top-up course in Obstetrics, Paediatrics and Psychiatrics, which will then make me eligible to take the California Nclex exams.
Does this sound about right? Is there anything else I need to do or do instead of the above mentioned steps? Also, does anyone know of any Californian college/university that would accept me? I read about a British Nurse (FlyingNurse123 I think it was) on this forum who went through this process a couple of years ago and would love to get more information if at all possible?
ANY information, advice or support would be appreciated more than you imagine. I know that this process is very challenging and time consuming, but I also know in my heart and my gut that this is the right move for me.

Many thanks for reading. Sending you wishes of health and happiness.

Rete

So you will be applying for a student visa (F-1) to complete the courses which will certify you to accept a specialist position under the H-1B visa?

Have you looked at all at the nursing forum here for information.

Nurses, Doctors, and other Medical/Healthcare occupations - British Expats

Twinkle0927

What family do you have here? That might be the easiest route.

Pulaski

Start with a visa strategy, because without that all the training in the world isn't going to help you.

I hear that the most promising visa for a nurse these days is a straight-to-green-card EB- .... EB-2, I think, assuming you aren't eligible for family visa (which likely means a very long wait), or a CR-1.

scrubbedexpat099

Friend - Boyfriend?

Usually Nurses do not qualify for H1b, I know some who did but I forget what her position was more akin to a Matron. I assume your Employer has confirmed through their Lawyer that this is a goer.

Silverdragon102

until you have a US SSN you can not apply to California and they do their own assessment so I am not sure if CGFNS will help. I know for LPN they require CGFNS but I think for RN you have t arrange for your transcripts to go directly to CA for them to make their own assessment and decision. Only a few CA colleges are offering makeup course to which there are long waiting lists and $$

Pulaski

And until you have a visa that allows you to work in the US you cannot get a social security number.

Lanyu

I think your best bet is to go through a Nurse recruitment agency like many others on here have. The only problem is none of them are going to send you to California. Being flexible is key do your time and then move to CA after you complete your contract with them normally 2 years.

You will need to be registered with Nursing board to work in whichever state you decide. Have you already applied to them? Since you are having to do all this extra training with no guarantee that you will be accepted to sit the NCLEX after you do.

I believe EB-3 is current for (rest of the world) for those who have the documents together of course that can all change. Right now you need to get into the queue by getting a priority date which is why I recommend the agency route.

christmasoompa

The OP says she's already got a job offer in CA......

Pulaski

We see someone every month or two who has "a job offer" in the US but not a hope in 4ëll of getting a visa to work there.