Many international nursing students pursuing education in the United States on the F1 visa wish to continue living in the country after graduation. Green Card sponsorship (Lawful Permanent Residency) with a nurse recruitment agency like Conexus MedStaff can help you secure a long-term future and a successful nursing career in the United States. Using an Adjustment of Status (AOS) to secure an EB-3 Green Card visa, you can fulfill your dream of living and working in the U.S. as a registered nurse, however, retrogression can have a significant impact on your immigration journey.
Read on for more information and tips to help you transition from F1 student status to permanent resident.
What is retrogression?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) assigns a set number of visas for each category to certain nationalities for the year. When the number of applications exceeds the number of available visas, then retrogression occurs.
The monthly Visa Bulletin indicates how much the immigration process is retrogressed based on Priority Date.
Retrogression can feel like a frustrating part of the immigration journey, especially for F1 students already in the U.S., but having a partner like Conexus can help you be better prepared and navigate any setbacks. Here’s our advice to F1 visa nursing students and graduates who are considering their options for Green Card sponsorship and navigating retrogression.
Prepare for work stop
While you may be able to work up to 12 months during your Optional Practical Training(OPT) period, it is possible that you will need to stop working if your OPT expires before you receive your EB-3 visa. Retrogression will impact the timelines, and you should use your OPT period to your advantage—saving money and preparing for the possibility that you will have to stop working until your visa is available.
Read more on ways to manage finances.
Maintain your eligibility for AOS
As an EB-3 visa applicant, it is important to maintain legal status in the U.S. If you are living or working unlawfully in the U.S. (without legal status), then your eligibility for an Adjustment of Status may be compromised.
Avoid long-term leases
Signing a long-term lease may become problematic if you have a work stop and cannot afford your rent. Seek short-term or month-to-month rental agreements to maintain flexibility in case you need to move or reduce expenses. We advise speaking to your nurse recruiting agency before you commit to a lease so you can understand your options.
Be prepared to relocate
Consider whether you can move in with a relative or friend in the U.S. While potentially stressful, relocation may be necessary to help manage expenses during periods without income.
Evaluate returning to school
Assess whether returning to school to maintain F1 status is financially feasible. This option may be necessary if the EB-3 process takes longer than expected but should be weighed against the costs involved.
Consider consular processing
For F1 nursing graduates facing a prolonged work stop after OPT, returning to your home country and pursuing consular processing for the EB-3 Green Card can be a viable option. Although it may seem counter-productive to leave the U.S. after your studies, this approach can offer several benefits:
Reduced financial pressure: Returning to your home country can alleviate immediate financial pressures associated with living in the U.S. without income. Finding employment back home can help you save money and prepare for your eventual return to the USA, easing the strain during the waiting period for your EB-3 visa.
Gain experience: By working in your home country, you can continue to gain valuable nursing experience and professional skills. This experience can be beneficial for your career and may provide additional job opportunities when you return to the U.S.
Simplified visa processing: Consular processing involves applying for a Green Card from outside the U.S., which can sometimes streamline the process compared to adjusting status within the U.S. This option allows graduates to avoid potential complications related to visa status and work stops, providing a clear path to re-enter the U.S. once the Green Card is approved.
While retrogression may present challenges and uncertainty for F1 nursing students, careful planning and proactive steps can mitigate the impact. Regardless of the route you choose – whether staying in the U.S. to adjust your status or returning home for consular processing – preparing in advance is crucial. Seek guidance from experts such as nurse recruitment agencies like Conexus MedStaff, for support with Green Card visa sponsorship, U.S. immigration, and securing your future in nursing.
Stay informed on the latest Visa Bulletin updates and impacts of retrogression through our blog and social media channels.
