Work Abroad
Immigrate To The US As A Registered Nurse
By
With the current shortage of nurses in the United States, this may be a good time to immigrate to the US as a registered nurse. Although the requirements and immigration laws are becoming more strict, being able to move will be a fulfilling experience. If you’re a foreign-trained registered nurse (RN), there are some factors you must put into consideration to pursue a career as a nurse in the US.
However, the exact requirements may differ based on your location. It’s also very essential for individuals who want to immigrate to the US as a registered nurse to obtain the proper visas and paperwork. You’ll have to fill out your forms through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) online and obtain the proper foreign nurse licensure requirements for the US.
Keep reading as we delve more into the process of immigrating to the US as a registered nurse from anywhere in the world. Let’s get started!
Steps To Immigrate To The US As A Registered Nurse
1. Meet Education Requirements.
It’s important to confirm if you qualify to work in the US before pursuing your career as a foreign-educated nurse. Meanwhile, if you are eligible to work as a nurse in the US, you must have the following requirements handy. Let’s check it out!
- Have obtained a degree from an accredited registered nursing program.
- Have a current RN license in your home country.
- As well as acquire two years of full-time work experience as a registered nurse.
2. Submit Your Previous Credentials
To Apply for and immigrate to the US as a registered nurse, you’ll need to submit transcripts from your previous institutions. Also, you’ll submit your nursing degree to the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS). The CGFNS is a non-profit organization, federally approved to be in charge of verifying foreign-trained nationals to work in various positions in healthcare.
They will confirm if you’ve obtained a general high school and post-secondary education in five key areas of nursing. These include:
• Adult medical
• Adult surgical
• Neonatal
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatric
However, if your transcripts aren’t written in the English language, you must submit a translated copy of the original records. In case it’s difficult for your school to provide these, the CGFNS offers translation services for an additional fee.
3. Take An English Language Proficiency Test
Even though it’s not a general prerequisite, passing an English-language proficiency test is sometimes required for CGFNS approval. Furthermore, there are two types of tests you can take, either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The first is more common.
In case you decide to take an English-language test, it’s essential to prepare and take the test early. This is because you’ll need to provide your scores during the next steps in the process. Remember that your scores are usually valid for two years.
4. Become Certified With The CGFNS
Aside from having your credentials approved by the CGFNS, there are other prerequisites that various states often require to obtain a nursing license. As a foreign-trained nurse, you may pursue the CGFNS Certification Program as an all-encompassing solution to fulfill the criteria for State Boards of Nursing.
Furthermore, the certification will demonstrate your credentials, test results of English language proficiency, and passing of the CGFNS qualifying Exam. You should note that the most popular exam is the CGFNS, but there are more cheaper alternatives available.
These alternatives include the International Educational Research Foundation and the Educational Records Evaluation. Therefore, it’s essential to confirm with your State Board of Nursing to determine which certifications will be approved.
What Is The CGFNS Qualifying Exam?
The CGFNS qualifying exam is created to prove that your level of education has adequately prepared you to effectively practice as a nurse. Meanwhile, this exam is usually taken four times a year and in over 40 locations worldwide. Therefore, you can take the test anywhere you are and do not necessarily need to travel to the US for it.
It is majorly a multiple-choice test that encompasses various important topics in the areas such as:
- Effective care management
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial integrity
- Physiological integrity
Furthermore, sitting for this test will take roughly three hours to complete, and you’ll get your results in two weeks. Luckily, if you pass the qualifying exam, you’ll receive a CGFNS Certificate. However, if you fail the qualifying exam, you can retake the test once again.
Keep in mind that you must pass your English language test, as well as the qualifying exam within two years. With the CGFNS exam, you can predict your readiness for the NCLEX-RN, which is a prerequisite in most states. However, in some states, you must take the CGFNS exam before qualifying to take the NCLEX-RN. With both exams, you’ll meet the test requirement of the visa credentials assessment which is the next stage.
5. Pass The NCLEX-RN
This exam is necessary for you to be able to practice as a registered nurse in the US and foreign-trained nurses are not exempted. You will have to register with Pearson Vue and pay a $200 fee to take the test. In addition, this test is administered internationally in Australia, Brazil, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Mexico, and the Philippines. As well as in Puerto Rico, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, India, and Turkey.
6. Apply For Your Nursing License
You can immigrate to the US as a registered nurse by applying for your nursing license. With verified credentials and by passing test scores, you’ll apply for your RN license through your state’s board of nursing. Remember that state requirements also vary, so you may have to take some extra steps before you can start working.
7. Search For A Nursing Job
Now, the time to start working as a registered nurse is here! It’s not compulsory, but the CGFNS encourages foreign-trained nurses to work with a staffing agency. They can help you immensely achieve the next step in acquiring your work visa.
8. Obtain Your Work Visa
To be eligible to practice as a registered nurse in the US, you must acquire one of the following visas. TN Visa (for Mexican and Canadian nurses), an H-1B Temporary Work Visa, or a Permanent Work Visa.
