what state should i apply for nclex

I am from the Philippines, too. I suggest you apply for the state of New York. The license is renewable online after 3 years. I don't think you are required an SSN before you could renew. Also, you don't need the local boards to be able to apply.

It is way easier to get reciprocity to any other state when you are licensed in New York, in my opinion.

You cannot get a valid SSN unless you have proper paperwork to stay here in the U.S. It is not granted to people under tourists visas, much more to those who are outside the U.S.

You can get an SSN if you have a working permit, a permanent resident or a U.S. citizen.

Here is the website where you can download the application for New York.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/nurse.htm

I am not sure about the other states so I can't enlighten you about them. I think Texas requires that you have the locals. California and Vermont does not require the local boards like New York.

Application for New York takes an entire 6 months to complete (even more if your school is slow to forward required documents), so make sure you follow up.

Goodluck!

MN is the fastest. When I help Canadian RNs relo to the U.S. I always go through MN.

Where do you want to work?

I guess that depends on what kind of job you are looking for...

From my experience, there are more acute care jobs in available in TX. Texas is not struggling nearly as much as California with this economic crises. I meet RNs in Cali that are being let go everyday!

You do have a major advantage over those nurses. That advantage is flexibility. If you are open minded about location, then there IS a job out there for you.

Do you have family in the States? To get a green card (yes, you will need one in order to legally work and pay taxes) you will need sponsorship either from a business offering a full-time job, or family willing to bring you to the states to get married.

From my experience, the green card process since 9/11 is extremely long, 1-3 years.

The NCLEX is good forever.

You are probably thinking of the State License which does need to be renewed. There is not a test involved with the license, so it is very easy to obtain.

Do you have any nursing experience in the Philippines?