Working as an RA without US Citizenship before applying to clinical psychology PhD?

[PeppermintMocha]

I am thinking of working as an RA in the US before applying to clinical psychology in the following year. The problem is I currently do not hold a US citizenship. I was wondering if this means that I am not eligible to apply to work as an RA in the US. I will definitely look into the work Visa situation but if you guys have any knowledge or advice on this it would be greatly appreciated!

 

Edited February 14, 2016 by PeppermintMocha

[artsy16]

You need some kind of visa to hold employment in (most likely) every country. And non-citizens can't hold government/federal jobs. This site has all the information you need https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/employment/temporary.html

[khunconan]

To be honest, it is highly unlikely that someone will sponsor a working visa for an RA position. Paid RA positions are very competitive even among U.S. citizens and most people end up being just a volunteer (which is not an option for a foreigner). The only option I can think of right now is to pursue a master's degree in psychology in the U.S. By doing so you can gain more research experience by working with your advisor and other professors.