I am a nursing student on a F1 visa and want to stay and work here after graduation in may 2008?

Question

What steps do I need to take?

Answer 1

You would need to find an employer willing to hire you and file the paperwork with USCIS. If the petition is approved, you would either be able to adjust here directly or go home and apply for the visa there. Since you're already here, you shouldn't have any difficulty finding the time to work on this. The old H1a nurse program hasn't been in operation for some time, but it's still possible to be petitioned on the H1b program for skilled workers. But, you'll need to pass the nursing boards, too, of course.

Answer 2

marry an american.....quick....hahaha

Answer 3

You may also wish to consider the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.  It provides for temporary permission to work in the United States in order to gain additional knowledge about your field of study (in this case, it must be related to nursing).  

OPT requires the recommendation of your school, an updated I-20, and work authorization from the government.   You are allowed up to a year of full-time employment.  See your school's Designated School Official (DSO) for more information.

The following official site has more details:

http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/opt.ht...