Wishing to work in California - Canadian RN

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Hello!

I am a Canadian nurse looking to work in California. I have heard that in order to work in California you need to apply for a license by endorsement, however as I am not licensed in the states yet, can I apply for licensure by exam? I have looked on the state board of nursing website and I have not seen anything to suggest that I should not apply by exam, but browsing thorough topics here I am getting confused. It has also been difficult as getting through to a real live person from the board of nursing has proven difficult.

I also have a question about social security numbers, as the application requires one and says that it will absolutely not be processed without one. As Canadian I do not have an American social security number, and I was under the understand I cannot get one until I have a job. But need one in order to get a job. Quite the problem!

Lastly, does anyone have suggestions for reputable travel nurse agencies, or any that they have had good experiences with? I have been in contact with one which seems to have received good reviews, but am unsure if I should be researching other companies more thoroughly.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

Sarah

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Oops! Just read that this should be posted in International Nursing. So sorry!

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Hello!

I am a Canadian nurse looking to work in California. I have heard that in order to work in California you need to apply for a license by endorsement, however as I am not licensed in the states yet, can I apply for licensure by exam? I have looked on the state board of nursing website and I have not seen anything to suggest that I should not apply by exam, but browsing thorough topics here I am getting confused. It has also been difficult as getting through to a real live person from the board of nursing has proven difficult.

I also have a question about social security numbers, as the application requires one and says that it will absolutely not be processed without one. As Canadian I do not have an American social security number, and I was under the understand I cannot get one until I have a job. But need one in order to get a job. Quite the problem!

Lastly, does anyone have suggestions for reputable travel nurse agencies, or any that they have had good experiences with? I have been in contact with one which seems to have received good reviews, but am unsure if I should be researching other companies more thoroughly.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

Sarah

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

CA will not accept a application without a US SSN and as you have noticed you can't get that until in the US with a job. You can however apply to a state that doesn't require a US SSN and endorse once you have found a job. You do not need a US SSN to get a job.

What you do need to be aware of is CA are being very strict and denying many IEN and saying they have to meet certain criteria plus many nurses in CA are struggling to find work

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Thank you so much for your reply! That's disappointing for me but good to know. Do you know where I can find which states do not require a SSN to apply?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

check this thread out as well as the BON website and links for that can be found at the bottom of the page

https://allnurses.com/nurse-registration/mi-rn-license-947560.html

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

moved to registration....Welcome!

You need to apply to take the NCLEX...this is the licensing exam...be prepared for a LONG wait they ARE way BEHIND! California is one of the hardest states to get licensed in....they have strict concurrency requirements. If your school in Canada ws not English speaking they may require

In most States, the board of nursing requires applicants to pass the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) exam before taking NCLEX-RN exam. CGFNS is not required in California. This is one great benefit to taking the exam in California. [h=2]CGFNS Certificate Process[/h] 1. RN credential review

2. Five-hour qualifying multiple choice exam to test nursing knowledge

3. Test of English as a foreign language exam

You will need to provide a U.S. Social Security number before a California license can be issued to you.
English transcripts from all the schools you have attended (transcripts must include hours of lectures and hospital practice in the following areas: medical, surgical, psychiatric, maternal-infant, pediatric and geriatric nursing.) Nursing license from your country (translated into English).

Board of Registered Nursing - Licensure by Examination

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Thanks everyone for your replies. How do I get a social security number?

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Thanks everyone for your replies. How do I get a social security number?

Try simply by "googling" your same question and then, focus on those interested that are not US citizens. You should be reading the one that's directly connected with the actual US Government site.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.
Thanks everyone for your replies. How do I get a social security number?

You need a visa that gives you permission to live and work in the US before a US SSN will be issued

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Thank you everyone for your replies. Does anyone know what kind of visa I would need? I thought I would get my VisaScreen started but am unsure what kind of visa. From looking at quick google search it looks like I would need an H1C to work as a nurse... Anyone know?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

H1C no longer exists as of a few years ago. If you are a Canadian citizen with a BSN you could be eligible for the NAFTA TN visa which is no/minimal cost to the employer. You need to have proof of US RN license and a bona fide job offer letter in addition to Visa Screen Cert.

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