I'm an optometry student in Canada and I'm thinking of working in the states, but I'm unsure of the whole process...can anyone help me out with any information they have? I know i have to write the NBEO exams, but how would I obtain a work visa? Would I have the same opportunities as an American optometry student?
Working in the US
- Thread starter tm_mat
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I would email the board of whatever state you're considering practicing in. They could give you the particulars on getting the appropriate visas and the NBEO exam requirements for that state.
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cpw said:
State boards won't have any visa information. What you need to do is find an appropriate visa classification. You can visit www.uscis.gov for more information about work Visas.
Do you just want to come and work temporarily or are you looking to immigrate to the USA?
Good luck finding an employer to sponsor you. That's almost impossible, though I've heard of a few people being able to do it. Most employers don't want to deal with the expense and the hassle and it is a HUGE expense and a HUGE hassle.
The easiest route would be to marry an American.
The 2nd easiest route would be to go into academia.
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stompy said:
Immigration and employment law require that the sponsoring employer pay all fees related to the immigration process.
Immigration and employment law also requires that the sponsored immigrant be paid the prevailing wage for similar work done. So it would be illegal to pay a sponsored worker less than a competitive wage. It would also be illegal to somehow have them pay for the processing.
For more information, visit www.uscis.gov or consult an immigration attorney.
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tm_mat said:
I'm a Canadian studying at IU and so far it doesn't seem to be a problem. All you need is a job offer letter from your employer. It is true that your employer will have to pay all Immigration fees but I am sure you can work that out with your employer. As for getting the letter, it all depends on how much the practice wants you as in any other job, if you impress them enough they might take you over an American OD and all you would have to do is approach US Immigration with your job letter to obtain a working visa that is valid for as long as your contract is. hope that helps - good luck.
kaostonite said:
Easier yet marry an American. That's what I did.
More seriously though it is easier to stay in the US if you study in the US. If you're studying in Canada the immigration issues are more difficult I believe.
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