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Mineral · 04-15-2008, 07:05 AM

I have recently joined this forum and I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me as to how long the whole process takes from the time you write the exams (FPGEE) to being able to start working as an intern.
From some of the threads it seems as if a visa can only be applied for in April each year? Does this mean that even if you pass exams in June you would still need to wait till April the following year for the visa applications? Please can someone clarify the process for me. Thanks

madaboutfpgee · 04-15-2008, 10:28 AM

Depends on what visa you require to start working as an intern.

If you need a H1B, then yes, the window for petitioning your H1B opens on April 1st every year (and theoretically is open till next March 31st the following year). But realistically USCIS opens the window for approximately the first few days.

The process is like this:

Take the FPGEE
Take the TOEFL iBT
Recieve passing score for FPGEE from NABP
Recieve passing score for TOEFL iBT from ETS
Retake the above tests till you get a passing score (takes lot of time for some)
Get the FPGEC Certificate from NABP
Apply to pharmacies/pharmacy chains for job
Give interviews over phone/personally
Get the job offer from a pharmacy
Send documents as required for them to petition for H1B (sponsorship)
Pharmacy petitions your H1B on April 1st
Wait to hear from your sponsor whether you are selected in random selection process conducted by USCIS (most likely this will happen every year from now; happened in 2007 and 2008)
Wait till you get an approval notification (I-797) from USCIS
Go to US Consulate/embassy in your home country and get your visa stamped.
Go to the USA and start working as an intern.

Long road, but worth it if you get thru all the hurdles.

Mineral · 04-15-2008, 06:24 PM

Thank you so much for such a thorough response! Its really made it clear for me......I must admit I am a little discouraged that the process takes so long especially the bit about the 'random selection', what are the odds of being selected? Anyway I'll try to remain positive and carry on studying.
Good luck in your studies/internship if you haven't qualified already.
Thanks once again.

04-15-2008, 07:05 AM	#1 (permalink)
Mineral Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5	Query about length of application process I have recently joined this forum and I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me as to how long the whole process takes from the time you write the exams (FPGEE) to being able to start working as an intern. From some of the threads it seems as if a visa can only be applied for in April each year? Does this mean that even if you pass exams in June you would still need to wait till April the following year for the visa applications? Please can someone clarify the process for me. Thanks

04-15-2008, 10:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
madaboutfpgee Eager! Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 34	Depends on what visa you require to start working as an intern. If you need a H1B, then yes, the window for petitioning your H1B opens on April 1st every year (and theoretically is open till next March 31st the following year). But realistically USCIS opens the window for approximately the first few days. The process is like this: Take the FPGEE Take the TOEFL iBT Recieve passing score for FPGEE from NABP Recieve passing score for TOEFL iBT from ETS Retake the above tests till you get a passing score (takes lot of time for some) Get the FPGEC Certificate from NABP Apply to pharmacies/pharmacy chains for job Give interviews over phone/personally Get the job offer from a pharmacy Send documents as required for them to petition for H1B (sponsorship) Pharmacy petitions your H1B on April 1st Wait to hear from your sponsor whether you are selected in random selection process conducted by USCIS (most likely this will happen every year from now; happened in 2007 and 2008) Wait till you get an approval notification (I-797) from USCIS Go to US Consulate/embassy in your home country and get your visa stamped. Go to the USA and start working as an intern. Long road, but worth it if you get thru all the hurdles.

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04-15-2008, 06:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mineral Trying to make mom and pop proud Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 5	Thank you so much for such a thorough response! Its really made it clear for me......I must admit I am a little discouraged that the process takes so long especially the bit about the 'random selection', what are the odds of being selected? Anyway I'll try to remain positive and carry on studying. Good luck in your studies/internship if you haven't qualified already. Thanks once again.

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