H4 visa (India) → F1 nursing (ABSN/ADN) → EB3 green card pathway? Need guidance
I am on H4 dependent visa, and my extension is still in process. I am considering pursuing nursing here. I am exploring both ABSN (Accelerated BSN) and ADN programs, depending on what I can get admitted into and what makes the most sense financially and academically. My plan is to switch to an F1 student visa in order to study nursing in the U.S., and eventually work as a Registered Nurse after completing my program. I am originally from India.
My main questions:
Is it possible/realistic to go H4 → F1 → nursing school (ABSN/ADN) in the U.S.?
After becoming an RN, can I directly transition to EB3 employer-sponsored green card without needing H1B?
Do most hospitals/companies actually sponsor EB3 for RNs, or is it very limited? If I go the F1 route, is the timeline (OPT etc.) usually enough to secure EB3 sponsorship, considering nursing doesn’t have STEM OPT?
Overall, is this a realistic pathway or am I missing major risks?
I would really appreciate insights from nurses or anyone who has gone through the EB3 / F1 nursing route, especially from India.