NCLEX - can you take it on your own?

Yes you can take the NCLEX on your own. I will move this thread to the international forum where you will recieve more answers plus will find hundreds of threads all concerned with this.

Actually the exam needs to be completed before you can apply for any type of visa that will permit you to work in the US.

The exam is offered thru Pearson-Vue after you have received approval to test from a Board of Nursing. Please read the Primer at the top of this forum for specfic information that you need to be aware of before starting.

Much has already been written about the retrogression that we have had in place so you will be expecting quite a long wait, not sure if you are aware of this.

Please take the time to do some reading and then come back with any questions that you may have and please post them here.

No - you have to pick a state to go through. You can't just apply for NCLEX. However, the results are transferable, and licenses are endorseable to other states (mostly), so it's ok even if you aren't sure where you will live.