Aussie RN going to work in US under E-3 visa

You do not have to apply in those states - where did you get that from? I applied to Vermont and then endorsed over to Pennsylvania where my job was. Never worked in VT and have now let that license lapse. You want to apply for a state (ideally) that does NOT require CGFNS exam/certification. There are only I think 5 that do (unfortunately PA is one, that's why I went via VT).

You can't apply for NCLEX or sit it directly. You apply for licensure to a state, and then they give you eligibility to sit the exam as part of your application for a license if you meet the educational requirements. Initially, you need to get your transcripts assessed by either the state nursing board or the CES assessment from CGFNS.

You DO need a Visa Screen Certificate from CGFNS organization.

You can't get your own E3 - you seem to be missing the step about finding a petitioner/employer. They have to apply for the LCA, advertise the job etc, and then you pay the visa fee and apply for the visa appointment.

The E3 also requires that your job requires a bachelor degree. Many staff RN positions in the US do not, so you need to make sure that yours does (eg. a job at a Magnet hospital that only employs BSN's; or a specialty position like critical care).

Let me know if you have any specific questions. I know of very few RNs (I think I might be the only one on here) who are in the US on E3's.

Moved to the International forum as per the red banner.

As mentioned there are only a handful of states that now require CGFNS exam. Most require CES which is a evaluation of your transcripts. Ghillbert is a good one to guide you on what you need to know so be sure to ask any questions here so others can learn


(Just to point out to anyone who doesn't know E3 is only for Australian citizens who meet the treaty requirements to work in the US. Do not confuse it with EB3)

I did not. I did not apply to one of those states, so can't help with that.

I was just going by your list which didn't mention sponsorship.

I don't know where you're getting your information from. Being from one of those countries does NOT preclude requiring the CES, depending on the state nursing board requirements. At most, it avoids the VSC according to the info you posted.

NY state actually requires the CVS credential assessment service rather than CES. You do not need to ask them about the process, it's all on the NYS nursing board's website. NY state also requires an infection control course and child abuse course to be done prior to licensure.

If your GF is just graduating from her nursing degree, she may not meet the requirements for the E3. It's hard to argue that you're a specialized professional when you just graduated.

I am born and bred in Australia. I completed my undergraduate nursing education in Australia. I don't understand your question as to how I went about it - I went to university after completing high school and finished a Bachelor of Nursing degree.....?

As I said, I don't know of any other RN's in the US on an E3, let alone anyone who used the 212r.

I have no idea. I would assume that you would not need to complete immigration requirements but would need to fulfil job requirements in order to satisfy prospective employers in that field. Sounds like a question for an immigration lawyer.

If you don't mind me saying, it is a very difficult time to relocate to the US. There are barely any jobs for new graduate US citizen RNs in a lot of places, let alone foreign new grads. The spirit of the E3 is that specialty professionals exchange knowledge between the US and Australia. How are you thinking she will find a sponsor in this environment?

Perhaps your girlfriend should take a look at this website herself to see the current nursing climate in the US before attempting such a painful process as US nursing license for foreigners. It really is long, expensive and annoying.