yannl

I just started my internship this October. I am from the Philippines,graduated in 1998 and my family and I have been here in the US since 2006. Like you, I was on H4 visa as a dependent of my husband so I had to find a sponsor to be able to work. Goodluck to you!

In my experience, I did not have a hard time finding an employer/sponsor. Just be sure to have your FPGEC and intern deficiency letter ready when you start applying because these are the basic requirements employers/recruiters will be asking from you. Start applying online through pharmacy retail websites as soon as you have those 2 documents. Usually they start entertaining intern applications for the next fiscal year around January and February. By the way, what country are you from?

You do not need SSN to sit for the FPGEE. You would need to find an employer to sponsor your working visa (H1B) to start internship in any state. Hope this helps.

Hi Notinal! I am from the Philippines too, however I graduated before 2003. I think it is worth a try to send all your documents to ECE for evaluation. Sometimes they need to see all the courses you took to judge if you are eligible to take the FPGEE. From their response to you, you can plan what to do next. If still they say you lack all the required courses, then there is no other option but to enroll in a pharmacy school here in the US to get your PharmD. Hope this helps.

It should be mentioned in your cover letter.

If you would AGAIN read my first post, I used the word CAUTION. I did not advise you guys to scrap all your efforts in communicating with NABP. So, I was not the one looking for a boxing match. But if somebody tells me to keep my mouth shut, then I am sorry but I have to stand up for myself. I have also been in this country long enough to know that everybody is entitled to their own opinion.

******** [Do not attack others and criticize others' writing ability and test scores.] And if you really have been here long enough to know how the system works, then you should know better than to tell me to shut up!

Good luck in this endeavor, but proceed with caution also when dealing with NABP. Remember that we are foreigners, and NABP can easily scrap the whole idea of licensing foreign pharmacists if there will be a lot of complaints regarding their procedures. They have no obligation to fill the shortage of pharmacists in the country with foreign pharmacists. There are new pharmacy schools in a lot of states, and sooner or later the US graduates will fill up the market. I feel that NABP is actually doing us a favor by opening their doors to us, but just like everything else it has to be within reason. Pass all the requirements, be it harder than usual. A lot of people have been able to, so could you. Good luck!

Does anybody know how soon can we apply for SSN? Can we apply now even if our H1B visas start October 1, 2008? Anybody who has experience with this? Thanks!

Sjunky, Why do you say this? Can you elaborate? Thanks!

Wasn't offered relocation allowance too. Where will you be assigned?

I'm in Minneapolis

I am selling my ETS Official Guide to TOEFL-IBT book, gently used for $15. Please add $5 for shipping (US only).

Hi wmw! What do you mean you are the only one who can speak the language? I suggest trying to talk to your DM about your concerns first. Did you sign any contract with them? If you did then you can not easily leave your job and apply to another pharmacy.

Hi Mashura! Is Walgreens going to pay you relocation allowance for AZ? Thanks!

Hi ramki swan! I sent you a private message.

Hi! Anybody know of a hospital near the Bay area who accepts volunteer interns. I just want to start looking even before I start working on my internship hours in Walgreens. Thanks!

Hi snehal! Are you doing your hospital internship too? How did you apply and where? Thanks!

Hey, I believe this is a PHARMACY FORUM. Yes we discuss visa issues but for those in the field of pharmacy only. Please respect others (PHARMACISTS!!!)who are consistently following this forum for new updates regarding their petitions, visas etc. Honestly I do not like having to wonder if each and every one who posts is a pharmacist and what company sponsored them.

Hi Mashura! I am in contact with my supervisor, we email each other. Since I am in US right now, we have talked about my moving plans already. I suggest you email your supervisor if you have questions.

kevin82, Are you a pharmacist? who is your sponsor? -

Hi Mashura! I will be assigned in North CA. I am already here in MN, USA so we'll be relocating to CA in October. How much rate did they offer you for AZ? Good luck on your visa stamping!

My H1B visa (Walgreens) is for 1 year too. It is my understanding that they will file visa extension and make necessary changes (work location on file with USCIS) after we take NAPLEX.

How can the lawyer say you were not selected in the lottery if he has not received your applications back?

I just received my I-94 and approval notice from the lawyer through FEDEX. So happy! Good luck everybody! -