there is no H1b left for this year. as far as i know, nurshing degree can file for green card instead of going through H1b process. the only thing is, you need to find an employer who will be ready to sponsor your green card later. you are lucky as you have undergrad from US and also has OPT. there are people who come from nepal and file for green card without having OPT. so, you have time and it will be easier for employer to hire you. as far as i know, nurshing quota for this year is over and you have to wait until congress passes another bill for nurshing quota. but dont worry, you have one year and there is good chance that it will happen sooner than later. california is very expensive place to live. i think boston is expensive too. however, california pays lot more for sure. at the end of the day, you are concerned about saving i guess, which will be not much unless. i heard california pays about 33 bucks per hr for Registered nurses.