It’s an exciting time to consider starting a career as an international registered nurse or medical technologist with Conexus MedStaff in the U.S. When planning your future in the United States, it’s important to set a realistic timeline to achieve your goals. In this article, we give you advice on how to set a five-year plan for healthcare professionals aspiring to embark on a new career journey in the United States.
Your success as an international healthcare professional with a desire to start a new life working and living in the United States is driven by several factors. A strong partnership with an expert agency such as Conexus MedStaff is a solid starting point; we will guide you through every step of the process, including handling all immigration requirements on your behalf, securing a rewarding job in a location that suits your preferences and career ambitions, and much more.
Personal motivation is a must-have. Setting a 5-year plan can help you to stay motivated throughout the process of moving to the U.S. The immigration phase of moving to the U.S. can take around two years for an EB-3 visa, with situations such as retrogression contributing to the completion time. There are several things you can do during this time, such as upskilling, English language proficiency testing, and more – all of which will contribute towards a more successful future for you in the United States.
Conexus provides support to help you pass the English proficiency tests that are mandatory to be issued with a U.S. visa. We also provide opportunities to enhance your skillset through Conexus Academy, which offers continued education units (CEUs) for registered nurses and medical technologists so that you can gain the knowledge needed to steer your career in the direction you choose.
If you want to pursue the H-1B visa lottery route and are lucky enough to be selected, the immigration process is considerably faster. In 2024 we will submit eligible, ASCPi-certified medical technologists into the U.S. H-1B visa lottery in March. It is important to submit your application to us as soon as possible if you want to be considered for the lottery.
So… what should your five-year plan look like?
Step 1: Start your application process now
If you know that you want to relocate to the United States, then our recommendation is to start the process as soon as possible. Our application form is simple to complete. Registered nurses and medical technologists who meet our requirements will be invited to interview with one of our recruiters, and if you are successful in this stage, we will then start working on your U.S. visa.
Step 2: Goal setting
Determine where you want to be five years from now, both physically and in terms of your career and personal life. Take stock of your current skills, qualifications, and experience, and work out how these will help you to achieve your goals. Identify areas for improvement or upskilling, and plan ways to do so. Conexus offers resources and support to help you enhance your professional skills, so that you can steer your career in the direction you choose.
Step 3: Secure a job in a location of your choice
Conexus works with many premium healthcare providers in locations across the United States. Through our partnerships we have a wide variety of positions available for registered nurses and medical technologists to choose from. Our teams will work with you from day one to work out what you want out of your time in the U.S., so that we can help you find the ideal placement. We’ll ask questions such as what sort of climate you prefer, whether you want to move with your children, the sort of community you like and more, so that we can recommend a future home in the U.S. that will suit your preferences. You will also be coached through your interview with the healthcare provider, to help you succeed.
Step 4: Prepare for your move
While our immigration experts work on your visa, you have the opportunity to prepare for your move. During this time, we will provide you with educational modules to get you up to speed with the U.S. healthcare system, so you’re ready to start in your new job. We recommend you use this time for financial planning. Start setting aside money so that you have a healthy pot of savings to start your new life in the U.S. Aim to have around $8,000 in savings – this will cover any down payments you may need for rent, car purchases, and so on, as well as giving you a bit of financial security. You can read more about budgeting and saving money on our blog.
Step 5: Move to the U.S.
When you arrive in the U.S., you will be given time to settle in with the help of our local experts, Conexus Engagement Managers. They’ll be available to assist in anything you may need to feel more at home, including finding your way around your new home, connecting with other members of the Conexus community, and more. You’ll start your new job, and, if you wish, you can access Conexus Academy to train for and pursue career growth opportunities. We provide continued support throughout your time with us, so you can start living your version of the American dream as soon as possible.
Use these steps as milestones to create your five-year plan. Whatever you want your future to look like, the best step to take today is to start your application. The sooner you begin the U.S. immigration process, the faster you can move there to start your new life!
Are you an international registered nurse or medical technologist looking to start a new career in the U.S.? Apply now to find out how we can help.