[phoenixrising.]

So I've decided to take the next big step in my life and go back to school after a decade of working a dead-end job. I've always wanted to work in the field of psychology, more specifically counseling/therapy. I like working with people and in fact, that was the only appealing aspect about my last job and why I stayed for so long.

I live in the Scandinavian region but grades from high school won't allow me to enroll any psychology program around here, I would have to re-read all the subjects/courses I already passed in order to get the top grades required, and it would be a major detour, we're talking losing years before I can even consider applying.

So I figured why not try Ameriqua? There's nothing keeping me here. I wouldn't have thought of it had I not been there on vacation some time ago, and I loved it, the people, the vibe... in fact it was exactly as I thought it would be. Could definitely see myself re-locating either temporarily or indefinitely.

So the plan is to apply to a community college and then tansfer to another college of choice.

My question is, how unlikely is it that I, as a foreigner, could get some sort of work visa on a bachelor or master's degree within the psychology field? I'm not necesserily talking about green card or citizenship, just a possibility to work in the States for a longer period(s) of time.

I've done some research and it's kind of contradictionary and all over the place.. One some sites it says; "According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; demand for mental health counselors will grow 36% between 2010-2010, school counselors 19%, marriage and family therapy field should grow an impressive 41%," etc. All of these fields are of interest to me.

...while other sites claim there are too many uneployed "psychology" students so it's not a job that's in high-demand. The thing is, I won't be able to work over here with a degree from the States, I'd probably need to "validate" it which means an additional 2-3 years ,so I'm really set on working in either the States OR Canada. I hear it's easier to get a work visa in Canada after finishing school...

So any insights from people who know what they're talking about? I figured since there probably are proffessionals here and those who see them, you guys should know if not about work visas, then at least what the market is like for (foreign) psychology graduates. Thanks.

[eeyorestail]

Hi phoenixrising--

Just as a preface, please keep in mind I am not an immigration expert or lawyer so please take what I say with a grain of salt.

Work visas for "skilled" trades generally are attached to a specific job position. What I mean here is that you can't just get a work visa to be a psychologist in the U.S. and then find a job. You need to find a job first, and then the company will sponsor your visa.

But to do this the company needs to prove that no current U.S. resident has the skills for the job and that they NEED to hire a foreigner.

Companies will do this sometimes, but it is a lot of work for them so they need to really want the candidate and feel they can't get that skill set somewhere else. So for example, at my husband's company, engineers with very specific areas of expertise (usually with PhDs to prove it) will be given work visas and hired.

I am not employed in the psych field, so others can feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but I know we have a LOT of people with bachelors (and even masters) in psych in this country. It would be a very tall order for an employer to prove that your skill set was totally unique and could not be found in a current U.S. resident. Most employers wouldn't even want to bother trying when it would be easier to hire a citizen or green card holder.

I'm sorry to give a disappointing answer, and encourage you to do further research before making a decision.

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[phoenixrising.]

Thanks for the reply. And it's not your fault lol, that's what I gathered from reading about it online too.

But regarding the "special skills" argument, didn't you guys have some shortage of nurses over there a while back and altough it's not "a totally unique expertice that cannot be found in current U.S. resident" Asian nurses were still imported in record numbers? I hear the shortage if over now so that's not an option anymore even if it's within my field of expertice.

Ok so..... this is a stretch, but is there any field of work I could go to school for like 1-2 years that would make me attractive for a sponsor? After all, I can start studying psychology later.

[eeyorestail]

Hi phoenix--

I didn't know about the nurse shortage so I Googled it. It was interesting to read about.

In my Googling I came across more info about H-1B visas and it looks like at least at some point some people did receive such a visa for being a "therapist/psychologist." But I did not see any specifics. (Also keep in mind both those terms usually refer to someone with a masters or phd.)

I think one thing to keep in mind is that if there ever is a shortage of bachelor-level psych degree holders it will probably happen in an area that is seen by most as less desirable to live in.

As for getting a visa for something that requires 1-2 years of study, I believe the H-1B visa requires a bachelors. I'm not sure how other work visas might work.

Anyway, I've reached the end of my knowledge about this issue but hopefully someone who knows more will come along and respond.

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[SilverNeurotic]

I have a bachelor's degree in psych and have never officially used it in a career (though it does help in my current job-its not necessary. Plan to do a Master's.

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