Nursing US with Australian Registration

I suggest you go to cgfns.org, they may have the information you need. I know when I did it (early 90's) I sat for the CGFNS exam in Australia. When I got the results of that I then could sit for the NCLEX. They had a special visa for nurses at that time, but I think that has been discontinued. I also think you can sit for the NCLEX outside of America. You would have to check there website for that.
Goodluck
Susan

Lana - I am in Australia, and am currently in the process of obtaining my NCLEX. There are some nursing boards that do not require CGFNS - Vermont and California are two that I know of. You can apply through them to get your NCLEX, then transfer to whichever state you want to work in.

I'm not sure about getting a job or visas yet - that will be my next step! I'm considering going through an agency, just to take some of the hassle out of the process.

As for sitting the NCLEX, you can now sit the exam in Sydney - it costs an extra US$150 to sit the exam in a foreign location, but I guess its still cheaper than airfare to anywhere else! Once you have been given your authorisation to test, you have 12 months to sit the exam.

Good luck!
Becky

Each state has their own requirements and if you plan on working in New York then just follow instructions on CGFNS for CVS as that is required whether initial process or endorsement

You do not need a visa to sit NCLEX as that can now be sat outside the US but you will need to get a visa sorted for working in the US. I presume you will be going the E3 route and you will need to meet requirements


Moved to the International forum

E3 is for specialized professionals (same as H1B, but just for Aussies). You may not qualify with one year's experience.

You cannot apply for any work visa - you must be sponsored by an employer. This won't happen until you have both a local license and Visa Screen Certificate.

Your steps for New York:
1. Apply for CVS credentials evaluation by CGFNS organization. Be warned - they suck. Expensive and useless. This involves sending forms to your school for them to fill in, attach transcripts and return to CGFNS directly.
2. Apply for NYS licensure. I believe you have to take an Infection Control and a Child Abuse module.
3. When approved and you receive ATT, apply at Pearson-Vue website for NCLEX. As far as I recall from a couple years ago, your ATT (from NYS) is valid for 90 DAYS ONLY, even if your Pearson registration is valid for 12 months.
4. Sit exam
5. Get license
6. Find employer to write job offer letter and fill in LCA online
7. When almost ready (6 mo before) to start work, apply for VSC. Only took about 6 weeks for mine. You need it at your visa appointment at the consulate (in theory; noone asked for mine).
8. Apply for and receive visa.
9. Start work.

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The US job market depends where you are. In various states it's horrendous, where I am it's still okay. Investigate beforehand! I would not tie myself to an agency, but if you do, check the get-out penalty. Many charge $10-40 K to break the contract. If you hate it here and get homesick, that is a lot of cash!