[gio]

Hi , I'm new here.. I'm an RN ,still in the Philippines and am currently under H4-visa (dependent) as my wife is a PT.. I Just want to confirm if the state of VT does not require its applicants to take the CGFNS exam prior to NCLEX.. My other option is California, but then I've heard that CA requires SSN prior to the issuance of RN license.
Can somebody advise me on what steps shall I take first ? I have plans on taking NCLEX first , next IELTS-- then eventually follow my wife in U.S. Thanks in advance! God bless!

[sirI]

Originally Posted by gio

Hi , I'm new here.. I'm an RN ,still in the Philippines and am currently under H4-visa (dependent) as my wife is a PT.. I Just want to confirm if the state of VT does not require its applicants to take the CGFNS exam prior to NCLEX.. My other option is California, but then I've heard that CA requires SSN prior to the issuance of RN license.
Can somebody advise me on what steps shall I take first ? I have plans on taking NCLEX first , next IELTS-- then eventually follow my wife in U.S. Thanks in advance! God bless!

Hello and Welcome to Allnurses.com

I will move your thread to the International forum for a better response.

Suzanne, the moderator for that forum can assit you.

[sirI]

Hello, gio,

Suzanne will respond to you as soon as she is able.

Good luck.

[suzanne4]

Back up a minute and lets start at the beginning.
If your wife is a physical therapist, why do you have an H-4 and not a green card?
Since you do not have a green card, you are going to have to go that route for your family to get one. You are unable to work on the H-4.

Where do you wish to work? There are many states that no longer require the CGFNS exam, just a Credentials Evaluation Screen, CES, by CGFNS.
Don't pick a state based only on speed, etc., as you are still going to need to go thru the Visa Screen process.

[Rep]

Originally Posted by suzanne4

Back up a minute and lets start at the beginning.
If your wife is a physical therapist, why do you have an H-4 and not a green card?
Since you do not have a green card, you are going to have to go that route for your family to get one. You are unable to work on the H-4.

Where do you wish to work? There are many states that no longer require the CGFNS exam, just a Credentials Evaluation Screen, CES, by CGFNS.
Don't pick a state based only on speed, etc., as you are still going to need to go thru the Visa Screen process.

Most PTs or OTs here in the Philippines prefer to go via a working visa that is why their dependents are on H4 visa. A friend of mine, an OT, works in the US on a working visa and his family are on H4.

Most recruitment agencies encourage PTs and OTs to go through working visas because they can easily get their petitions approved unlike nurses.

In Gio case, he has to go back to square one if he wants to work unless her wife will apply for AOS and have it approved soon then he can find a nursing job in the US.

[suzanne4]

He is still at a much faster point as he already has the H-4. An AOS can be filed on his behalf, but he needs to be in the US for it to be done. He already has a legal document to live in the US, he can do everything but work with what he has right now.

[gio]

Originally Posted by suzanne4

Back up a minute and lets start at the beginning.
If your wife is a physical therapist, why do you have an H-4 and not a green card?
Since you do not have a green card, you are going to have to go that route for your family to get one. You are unable to work on the H-4.

Where do you wish to work? There are many states that no longer require the CGFNS exam, just a Credentials Evaluation Screen, CES, by CGFNS.
Don't pick a state based only on speed, etc., as you are still going to need to go thru the Visa Screen process.

Thanks for all your posts...really appreciate it! I'm under H4 since my wife is currently under Workin visa (H1B).. I'm aware that I am not allowed to work under H4 visa, that's why I have plans in taking NCLEX next year.. before following her to U.S Mainland., By the way,my wife is working in New Jersey.. unfortunately NJ Nursing board requires foreign nurses to take CG exams prior to NCLEX.. and I can't afford to go through that lengthy process.

Can I take the VT NCLEX then just have my Score be transferred to NEW JERSEY?

Any husband would want to be with his wife, eh?

[suzanne4]

Sure you can do that, but you do not transfer your score. Once you have the Vermont license, then you apply for "License by Endorsement" to New Jersey. And you are all set. You would actually have two licenses then, one for Vermont and one for New Jersey.

[gio]

Originally Posted by suzanne4

Sure you can do that, but you do not transfer your score. Once you have the Vermont license, then you apply for "License by Endorsement" to New Jersey. And you are all set. You would actually have two licenses then, one for Vermont and one for New Jersey.

So, I can be Licensed in NJ even WITHOUT taking CGFNS exam thru License Endorsement--- provided that I must 1st pass VT NCLEX . right??

Thanxxxx Ms. Suzanne and to all fellow RNs who responded to my plea.

[suzanne4]

Yes, CGFNS exam is only for initial licensure, once you are licensed in another state, you can just follow the application that is called "License by Endorsement."